About

Microbial adhesion to surfaces (biofilm) and consequent biofouling formation have been documented in many different environments. Biofilms provide a protected mode of microorganisms’ growth, allowing them to survive in hostile conditions. However, their omnipresence impacts directly and indirectly all societal infrastructures, including marine operations, water utility management, e.g., transportation, onshore and offshore energy systems, and water treatment. When settled in these infrastructures, they imply severe economic and environmental losses, as well as biological risks to society. Their natural ability to harbour microbial populations of viruses and disease-causing bacteria, often promoting outbreaks, and the premature biocorrosion of surface materials, known as Microbially Influenced Corrosion (MIC), are the higher direct effects associated with biofilms, involving huge costs only for rehabilitation, and underestimated environmental and long-term societal impacts, amplified by the increasing consumption and global warming.

Anti-biofouling strategies have been widely pursued. However, the most effective rely on the release of toxic and persistent agents in the vicinity of contaminated surfaces via the aquatic environments, implying shorter protection periods and leading to ecotoxicity effects on ecosystems, and remain ineffective under the current environmental demand and guidelines. Biofouling prevention and control are considered a European priority, and green solutions for industrial activities sustainable a key requirement for transforming the European industrial landscape in the green transition at the core of the EU’s Circular Economy Action Plan, encouraging efforts to understand and manage the role of microorganisms in society and the sustainability of its infrastructure. In this context, emergent preventive strategies have highlighted the potential of functional nano-agents. But those lack efficacy, proof-of-concept under more realistic conditions, and assessment of their environmental impact, since still rely on releasing mechanisms, been their cumulative side-effects on the aquatic environment posed under scrutiny. These gaps are challenging their implementation.

About the Project

The NanoBioMitig project focuses on advancing anti-biofouling solutions, aiming to overcome current limitations like restricted and short-term protective effects, along with the absence of eco-label footprint. The project seeks to establish a nature-inspired anti-biofouling strategy by integrating the functionalization and immobilization of nano-agents into coating matrices. This innovative approach is designed to yield non-release protective effects against waterborne microfouling and progressive biofouling on surfaces.  

NanoBioMitig addresses 3 main UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) for the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. 

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Projects Goals