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Romeu MJ, Morais J, Vasconcelos V, Mergulhão F. Effect of Hydrogen Peroxide on Cyanobacterial Biofilms. Antibiotics (Basel) 2023; 12:1450. [PMID: 37760746 PMCID: PMC10525773 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics12091450] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2023] [Revised: 09/07/2023] [Accepted: 09/12/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Although a range of disinfecting formulations is commercially available, hydrogen peroxide is one of the safest chemical agents used for disinfection in aquatic environments. However, its effect on cyanobacterial biofilms is poorly investigated. In this work, biofilm formation by two filamentous cyanobacterial strains was evaluated over seven weeks on two surfaces commonly used in marine environments: glass and silicone-based paint (Sil-Ref) under controlled hydrodynamic conditions. After seven weeks, the biofilms were treated with a solution of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) to assess if disinfection could affect long-term biofilm development. The cyanobacterial biofilms appeared to be tolerant to H2O2 treatment, and two weeks after treatment, the biofilms that developed on glass by one of the strains presented higher biomass amounts than the untreated biofilms. This result emphasizes the need to correctly evaluate the efficiency of disinfection in cyanobacterial biofilms, including assessing the possible consequences of inefficient disinfection on the regrowth of these biofilms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria João Romeu
- LEPABE—Laboratory for Process Engineering, Environment, Biotechnology and Energy, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Rua Dr. Roberto Frias, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal;
- ALiCE—Associate Laboratory in Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Rua Dr. Roberto Frias, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal
| | - João Morais
- CIIMAR—Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research, University of Porto, Terminal de Cruzeiros do Porto de Leixões, Av. General Norton de Matos s/n, 4450-208 Matosinhos, Portugal; (J.M.); (V.V.)
| | - Vítor Vasconcelos
- CIIMAR—Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research, University of Porto, Terminal de Cruzeiros do Porto de Leixões, Av. General Norton de Matos s/n, 4450-208 Matosinhos, Portugal; (J.M.); (V.V.)
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Porto, Rua do Campo Alegre, 4169-007 Porto, Portugal
| | - Filipe Mergulhão
- LEPABE—Laboratory for Process Engineering, Environment, Biotechnology and Energy, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Rua Dr. Roberto Frias, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal;
- ALiCE—Associate Laboratory in Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Rua Dr. Roberto Frias, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal
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2
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Romeu MJ, Mergulhão F. Development of Antifouling Strategies for Marine Applications. Microorganisms 2023; 11:1568. [PMID: 37375070 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11061568] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2023] [Revised: 06/08/2023] [Accepted: 06/11/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Marine biofouling is an undeniable challenge for aquatic systems since it is responsible for several environmental and ecological problems and economic losses. Several strategies have been developed to mitigate fouling-related issues in marine environments, including developing marine coatings using nanotechnology and biomimetic models, and incorporating natural compounds, peptides, bacteriophages, or specific enzymes on surfaces. The advantages and limitations of these strategies are discussed in this review, and the development of novel surfaces and coatings is highlighted. The performance of these novel antibiofilm coatings is currently tested by in vitro experiments, which should try to mimic real conditions in the best way, and/or by in situ tests through the immersion of surfaces in marine environments. Both forms present their advantages and limitations, and these factors should be considered when the performance of a novel marine coating requires evaluation and validation. Despite all the advances and improvements against marine biofouling, progress toward an ideal operational strategy has been slow given the increasingly demanding regulatory requirements. Recent developments in self-polishing copolymers and fouling-release coatings have yielded promising results which set the basis for the development of more efficient and eco-friendly antifouling strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria João Romeu
- LEPABE-Laboratory for Process Engineering, Environment, Biotechnology and Energy, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Rua Dr. Roberto Frias, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal
- ALiCE-Associate Laboratory in Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Rua Dr. Roberto Frias, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal
| | - Filipe Mergulhão
- LEPABE-Laboratory for Process Engineering, Environment, Biotechnology and Energy, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Rua Dr. Roberto Frias, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal
- ALiCE-Associate Laboratory in Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Rua Dr. Roberto Frias, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal
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3
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Romeu MJ, Morais J, Gomes LC, Silva R, Vasconcelos V, Mergulhão FJM. Characterization and biofouling potential analysis of two cyanobacterial strains isolated from Cape Verde and Morocco. FEMS Microbiol Ecol 2023; 99:6986251. [PMID: 36633537 DOI: 10.1093/femsec/fiad004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2022] [Revised: 11/03/2022] [Accepted: 01/05/2023] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Cyanobacteria are new sources of value-added compounds but also ubiquitous and harmful microfoulers on marine biofouling. In this work, the isolation and identification of two cyanobacterial strains isolated from Cape Verde and Morocco, as well as their biofilm-forming ability on glass and Perspex under controlled hydrodynamic conditions, were performed. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that cyanobacterial strains isolated belong to Leptothoe and Jaaginema genera (Leptothoe sp. LEGE 181153 and Jaaginema sp. LEGE 191154). From quantitative and qualitative data of wet weight, chlorophyll a content and biofilm thickness obtained by optical coherence tomography, no significant differences were found in biofilms developed by the same cyanobacterial strain on different surfaces (glass and Perspex). However, the biofilm-forming potential of Leptothoe sp. LEGE 181153 proved to be higher compared with Jaaginema sp. LEGE 191154, particularly at the maturation stage of biofilm development. Three-dimensional biofilm images obtained from confocal laser scanning microscopy showed different patterns between both cyanobacterial strains and also among the two surfaces. Because standard methodologies to evaluate cyanobacterial biofilm formation, as well as two different optical imaging techniques, were used, this work also highlights the possibility of integrating different techniques to evaluate a complex phenomenon like cyanobacterial biofilm development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria J Romeu
- LEPABE - Laboratory for Process Engineering, Environment, Biotechnology and Energy, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Rua Dr. Roberto Frias, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal
- ALiCE - Associate Laboratory in Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Rua Dr. Roberto Frias, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal
| | - João Morais
- CIIMAR - Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research, University of Porto, Terminal de Cruzeiros do Porto de Leixões, Av. General Norton de Matos s/n, 4450-208 Matosinhos, Portugal
| | - Luciana C Gomes
- LEPABE - Laboratory for Process Engineering, Environment, Biotechnology and Energy, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Rua Dr. Roberto Frias, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal
- ALiCE - Associate Laboratory in Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Rua Dr. Roberto Frias, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal
| | - Raquel Silva
- CIIMAR - Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research, University of Porto, Terminal de Cruzeiros do Porto de Leixões, Av. General Norton de Matos s/n, 4450-208 Matosinhos, Portugal
| | - Vítor Vasconcelos
- CIIMAR - Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research, University of Porto, Terminal de Cruzeiros do Porto de Leixões, Av. General Norton de Matos s/n, 4450-208 Matosinhos, Portugal
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Porto, Rua do Campo Alegre, 4169-007, Porto, Portugal
| | - Filipe J M Mergulhão
- LEPABE - Laboratory for Process Engineering, Environment, Biotechnology and Energy, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Rua Dr. Roberto Frias, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal
- ALiCE - Associate Laboratory in Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Rua Dr. Roberto Frias, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal
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4
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Fernandes EM, Lobo FCM, Faria SI, Gomes LC, Silva TH, Mergulhão FJM, Reis RL. Development of Cork Biocomposites Enriched with Chitosan Targeting Antibacterial and Antifouling Properties. Molecules 2023; 28:990. [PMID: 36770658 PMCID: PMC9921838 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28030990] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2022] [Revised: 01/13/2023] [Accepted: 01/16/2023] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
The demand for bio-based and safer composite materials is increasing due to the growth of the industry, human population, and environmental concerns. In this framework, sustainable and safer cork-polymer composites (CPC), based on green low-density polyethylene (LDPE) were developed using melt-based technologies. Chitosan and polyethylene-graft-maleic anhydride (PE-g-MA) were employed to enhance the CPC's properties. The morphology, wettability, mechanical, thermal, and antibacterial properties of the CPC against Pseudomonas putida (P. putida) and Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) were examined. The CPC showed improved stiffness when compared with that of the LDPE matrix, preferably when combined with chitosan and PE-g-MA (5 wt. %), reinforcing the stiffness (58.8%) and the strength (66.7%). Chitosan also increased the composite stiffness and strength, as well as reduced the surface hydrophilicity. The CPCs' antibacterial activity revealed that cork significantly reduces the biofilm on the polymer matrix. The highest biofilm reduction was found with CPC containing cork and 5 wt. % chitosan for both P. putida (54% reduction) and S. aureus (36% reduction), confirming their potential to extend the lifespan of products for packaging and healthcare, among other applications. This work leads to the understanding of the factors that influence biofilm formation in cork composites and provides a strategy to reinforce their behavior using chitosan.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emanuel M. Fernandes
- 3B’s Research Group, I3Bs—Research Institute on Biomaterials, Biodegradables and Biomimetics, Headquarters of the European Institute of Excellence on Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, University of Minho, AvePark, Parque de Ciência e Tecnologia, Zona Industrial da Gandra, Barco, 4805-017 Guimarães, Portugal
- ICVS/3B’s—PT Government Associate Laboratory, 4806-909 Guimarães, Portugal
| | - Flávia C. M. Lobo
- 3B’s Research Group, I3Bs—Research Institute on Biomaterials, Biodegradables and Biomimetics, Headquarters of the European Institute of Excellence on Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, University of Minho, AvePark, Parque de Ciência e Tecnologia, Zona Industrial da Gandra, Barco, 4805-017 Guimarães, Portugal
- ICVS/3B’s—PT Government Associate Laboratory, 4806-909 Guimarães, Portugal
| | - Sara I. Faria
- LEPABE—Laboratory for Process Engineering, Environment, Biotechnology and Energy, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Rua Dr. Roberto Frias, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal
- ALiCE—Associate Laboratory in Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Rua Dr. Roberto Frias, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal
| | - Luciana C. Gomes
- LEPABE—Laboratory for Process Engineering, Environment, Biotechnology and Energy, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Rua Dr. Roberto Frias, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal
- ALiCE—Associate Laboratory in Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Rua Dr. Roberto Frias, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal
| | - Tiago H. Silva
- 3B’s Research Group, I3Bs—Research Institute on Biomaterials, Biodegradables and Biomimetics, Headquarters of the European Institute of Excellence on Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, University of Minho, AvePark, Parque de Ciência e Tecnologia, Zona Industrial da Gandra, Barco, 4805-017 Guimarães, Portugal
- ICVS/3B’s—PT Government Associate Laboratory, 4806-909 Guimarães, Portugal
| | - Filipe J. M. Mergulhão
- LEPABE—Laboratory for Process Engineering, Environment, Biotechnology and Energy, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Rua Dr. Roberto Frias, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal
- ALiCE—Associate Laboratory in Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Rua Dr. Roberto Frias, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal
| | - Rui L. Reis
- 3B’s Research Group, I3Bs—Research Institute on Biomaterials, Biodegradables and Biomimetics, Headquarters of the European Institute of Excellence on Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, University of Minho, AvePark, Parque de Ciência e Tecnologia, Zona Industrial da Gandra, Barco, 4805-017 Guimarães, Portugal
- ICVS/3B’s—PT Government Associate Laboratory, 4806-909 Guimarães, Portugal
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Assessment of the Antibiofilm Performance of Chitosan-Based Surfaces in Marine Environments. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232314647. [PMID: 36498973 PMCID: PMC9741481 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232314647] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2022] [Revised: 11/19/2022] [Accepted: 11/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Marine biofouling is a natural process often associated with biofilm formation on submerged surfaces, creating a massive economic and ecological burden. Although several antifouling paints have been used to prevent biofouling, growing ecological concerns emphasize the need to develop new and environmentally friendly antifouling approaches such as bio-based coatings. Chitosan (CS) is a natural polymer that has been widely used due to its outstanding biological properties, including non-toxicity and antimicrobial activity. This work aims to produce and characterize poly (lactic acid) (PLA)-CS surfaces with CS of different molecular weight (Mw) at different concentrations for application in marine paints. Loligo opalescens pens, a waste from the fishery industry, were used as a CS source. The antimicrobial activity of the CS and CS-functionalized surfaces was assessed against Cobetia marina, a model proteobacterium for marine biofouling. Results demonstrate that CS targets the bacterial cell membrane, and PLA-CS surfaces were able to reduce the number of culturable cells up to 68% compared to control, with this activity dependent on CS Mw. The antifouling performance was corroborated by Optical Coherence Tomography since PLA-CS surfaces reduced the biofilm thickness by up to 36%, as well as the percentage and size of biofilm empty spaces. Overall, CS coatings showed to be a promising approach to reducing biofouling in marine environments mimicked in this work, contributing to the valorization of fishing waste and encouraging further research on this topic.
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Romeu MJ, Lima M, Gomes LC, de Jong ED, Morais J, Vasconcelos V, Pereira MFR, Soares OSGP, Sjollema J, Mergulhão FJ. The Use of 3D Optical Coherence Tomography to Analyze the Architecture of Cyanobacterial Biofilms Formed on a Carbon Nanotube Composite. Polymers (Basel) 2022; 14:polym14204410. [PMID: 36297988 PMCID: PMC9607013 DOI: 10.3390/polym14204410] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2022] [Revised: 10/12/2022] [Accepted: 10/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The development of environmentally friendly antifouling strategies for marine applications is of paramount importance, and the fabrication of innovative nanocomposite coatings is a promising approach. Moreover, since Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) is a powerful imaging technique in biofilm science, the improvement of its analytical power is required to better evaluate the biofilm structure under different scenarios. In this study, the effect of carbon nanotube (CNT)-modified surfaces in cyanobacterial biofilm development was assessed over a long-term assay under controlled hydrodynamic conditions. Their impact on the cyanobacterial biofilm architecture was evaluated by novel parameters obtained from three-dimensional (3D) OCT analysis, such as the contour coefficient, total biofilm volume, biovolume, volume of non-connected pores, and the average size of non-connected pores. The results showed that CNTs incorporated into a commercially used epoxy resin (CNT composite) had a higher antifouling effect at the biofilm maturation stage compared to pristine epoxy resin. Along with a delay in biofilm development, a decrease in biofilm wet weight, thickness, and biovolume was also achieved with the CNT composite compared to epoxy resin and glass (control surfaces). Additionally, biofilms developed on the CNT composite were smoother and presented a lower porosity and a strictly packed structure when compared with those formed on the control surfaces. The novel biofilm parameters obtained from 3D OCT imaging are extremely important when evaluating the biofilm architecture and behavior under different scenarios beyond marine applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria J. Romeu
- LEPABE—Laboratory for Process Engineering, Environment, Biotechnology and Energy, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Rua Dr. Roberto Frias, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal
- ALiCE—Associate Laboratory in Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Rua Dr. Roberto Frias, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal
| | - Marta Lima
- LEPABE—Laboratory for Process Engineering, Environment, Biotechnology and Energy, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Rua Dr. Roberto Frias, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal
- ALiCE—Associate Laboratory in Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Rua Dr. Roberto Frias, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal
| | - Luciana C. Gomes
- LEPABE—Laboratory for Process Engineering, Environment, Biotechnology and Energy, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Rua Dr. Roberto Frias, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal
- ALiCE—Associate Laboratory in Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Rua Dr. Roberto Frias, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal
| | - Ed. D. de Jong
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Groningen, University Medical Centre Groningen, Antonius Deusinglaan 1, 9713 AV Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - João Morais
- CIIMAR—Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research, University of Porto, Terminal de Cruzeiros do Porto de Leixões, Av. General Norton de Matos s/n, 4450-208 Matosinhos, Portugal
| | - Vítor Vasconcelos
- CIIMAR—Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research, University of Porto, Terminal de Cruzeiros do Porto de Leixões, Av. General Norton de Matos s/n, 4450-208 Matosinhos, Portugal
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Porto, Rua do Campo Alegre, 4169-007 Porto, Portugal
| | - Manuel F. R. Pereira
- ALiCE—Associate Laboratory in Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Rua Dr. Roberto Frias, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal
- LSRE–LCM—Laboratory of Separation and Reaction Engineering–Laboratory of Catalysis and Materials, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Rua Dr. Roberto Frias, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal
| | - Olívia S. G. P. Soares
- ALiCE—Associate Laboratory in Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Rua Dr. Roberto Frias, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal
- LSRE–LCM—Laboratory of Separation and Reaction Engineering–Laboratory of Catalysis and Materials, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Rua Dr. Roberto Frias, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal
| | - Jelmer Sjollema
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Groningen, University Medical Centre Groningen, Antonius Deusinglaan 1, 9713 AV Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Filipe J. Mergulhão
- LEPABE—Laboratory for Process Engineering, Environment, Biotechnology and Energy, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Rua Dr. Roberto Frias, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal
- ALiCE—Associate Laboratory in Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Rua Dr. Roberto Frias, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +351-225081668
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Antifouling Performance of Carbon-Based Coatings for Marine Applications: A Systematic Review. Antibiotics (Basel) 2022; 11:antibiotics11081102. [PMID: 36009971 PMCID: PMC9404944 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics11081102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2022] [Revised: 08/10/2022] [Accepted: 08/11/2022] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Although carbon materials are widely used in surface engineering, particularly graphene (GP) and carbon nanotubes (CNTs), the application of these nanocomposites for the development of antibiofilm marine surfaces is still poorly documented. The aim of this study was, thus, to gather and discuss the relevant literature concerning the antifouling performance of carbon-based coatings against marine micro- and macrofoulers. For this purpose, a PRISMA-oriented systematic review was conducted based on predefined criteria, which resulted in the selection of thirty studies for a qualitative synthesis. In addition, the retrieved publications were subjected to a quality assessment process based on an adapted Methodological Index for Non-Randomized Studies (MINORS) scale. In general, this review demonstrated the promising antifouling performance of these carbon nanomaterials in marine environments. Further, results from the revised studies suggested that functionalized GP- and CNTs-based marine coatings exhibited improved antifouling performance compared to these materials in pristine forms. Thanks to their high self-cleaning and enhanced antimicrobial properties, as well as durability, these functionalized composites showed outstanding results in protecting submerged surfaces from the settlement of fouling organisms in marine settings. Overall, these findings can pave the way for the development of new carbon-engineered surfaces capable of preventing marine biofouling.
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Antifouling Marine Coatings with a Potentially Safer and Sustainable Synthetic Polyphenolic Derivative. Mar Drugs 2022; 20:md20080507. [PMID: 36005510 PMCID: PMC9409691 DOI: 10.3390/md20080507] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2022] [Revised: 07/31/2022] [Accepted: 08/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
The development of harmless substances to replace biocide-based coatings used to prevent or manage marine biofouling and its unwanted consequences is urgent. The formation of biofilms on submerged marine surfaces is one of the first steps in the marine biofouling process, which facilitates the further settlement of macrofoulers. Anti-biofilm properties of a synthetic polyphenolic compound, with previously described anti-settlement activity against macrofoulers, were explored in this work. In solution this new compound was able to prevent biofilm formation and reduce a pre-formed biofilm produced by the marine bacterium, Pseudoalteromonas tunicata. Then, this compound was applied to a marine coating and the formation of P. tunicata biofilms was assessed under hydrodynamic conditions to mimic the marine environment. For this purpose, polyurethane (PU)-based coating formulations containing 1 and 2 wt.% of the compound were prepared based on a prior developed methodology. The most effective formulation in reducing the biofilm cell number, biovolume, and thickness was the PU-based coating containing an aziridine-based crosslinker and 2 wt.% of the compound. To assess the marine ecotoxicity impact of this compound, its potential to disrupt endocrine processes was evaluated through the modulation of two nuclear receptors (NRs), peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPARγ), and pregnane X receptor (PXR). Transcriptional activation of the selected NRs upon exposure to the polyphenolic compound (10 µM) was not observed, thus highlighting the eco-friendliness towards the addressed NRs of this new dual-acting anti-macro- and anti-microfouling agent towards the addressed NRs.
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9
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Romeu MJ, Domínguez-Pérez D, Almeida D, Morais J, Araújo MJ, Osório H, Campos A, Vasconcelos V, Mergulhão FJ. Quantitative proteomic analysis of marine biofilms formed by filamentous cyanobacterium. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2021; 201:111566. [PMID: 34181917 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2021.111566] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2021] [Revised: 06/14/2021] [Accepted: 06/18/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Cyanobacterial molecular biology can identify pathways that affect the adhesion and settlement of biofouling organisms and, consequently, obtain novel antifouling strategies for marine applications. Proteomic analyses can provide an essential understanding of how cyanobacteria adapt to different environmental settings. However, only a few qualitative studies have been performed in some cyanobacterial strains. Considering the limited knowledge about protein expression in cyanobacteria in different growing conditions, a quantitative proteomic analysis by LC-MS/MS of biofilm cells from a filamentous strain was performed. Biofilms were also analysed through standard methodologies for following cyanobacterial biofilm development. Biofilms were formed on glass and perspex at two relevant hydrodynamic conditions for marine environments (average shear rates of 4 s-1 and 40 s-1). Biofilm development was higher at 4 s-1 and no significant differences were found between surfaces. Proteomic analysis identified 546 proteins and 41 were differentially expressed. Differences in protein expression were more noticeable between biofilms formed on glass and perspex at 4 s-1. When comparing biofilms formed on different surfaces, results suggest that biofilm development may be related to the expression of several proteins like a beta-propeller domain-containing protein, chaperone DnaK, SLH domain-containing proteins, an OMF family outer membrane protein, and/or additional uncharacterized proteins. Regarding the hydrodynamic effect, biofilm development can be related to SOD enzyme expression, to proteins related to photosynthetic processes and to a set of uncharacterized proteins with calcium binding domains, disordered proteins, and others involved in electron transfer activity. Studies that combine distinct approaches are essential for finding new targets for antibiofilm agents. The characterisation performed in this work provides new insights into how shear rate and surface affect cyanobacterial biofilm development and how cyanobacteria adapt to these different environmental settings from a macroscopic standpoint to a proteomics context.
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Affiliation(s)
- M J Romeu
- LEPABE, Laboratory for Process Engineering, Environment, Biotechnology and Energy, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Rua Dr. Roberto Frias, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal
| | - D Domínguez-Pérez
- CIIMAR, Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research, University of Porto, Terminal de Cruzeiros do Porto de Leixões, Av. General Norton de Matos s/n, 4450-208, Matosinhos, Portugal
| | - D Almeida
- CIIMAR, Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research, University of Porto, Terminal de Cruzeiros do Porto de Leixões, Av. General Norton de Matos s/n, 4450-208, Matosinhos, Portugal
| | - J Morais
- CIIMAR, Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research, University of Porto, Terminal de Cruzeiros do Porto de Leixões, Av. General Norton de Matos s/n, 4450-208, Matosinhos, Portugal
| | - M J Araújo
- CIIMAR, Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research, University of Porto, Terminal de Cruzeiros do Porto de Leixões, Av. General Norton de Matos s/n, 4450-208, Matosinhos, Portugal
| | - H Osório
- i3S -Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, 4200-135, Porto, Portugal; Institute of Molecular Pathology and Immunology of the University of Porto, IPATIMUP, Rua Júlio Amaral de Carvalho 45, 4200-135, Porto, Portugal; Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Al. Prof. Hernâni Monteiro, 4200-319, Porto, Portugal
| | - A Campos
- CIIMAR, Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research, University of Porto, Terminal de Cruzeiros do Porto de Leixões, Av. General Norton de Matos s/n, 4450-208, Matosinhos, Portugal
| | - V Vasconcelos
- CIIMAR, Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research, University of Porto, Terminal de Cruzeiros do Porto de Leixões, Av. General Norton de Matos s/n, 4450-208, Matosinhos, Portugal; Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Porto, Rua do Campo Alegre, 4169-007, Porto, Portugal
| | - F J Mergulhão
- LEPABE, Laboratory for Process Engineering, Environment, Biotechnology and Energy, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Rua Dr. Roberto Frias, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal.
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10
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A Selection of Platforms to Evaluate Surface Adhesion and Biofilm Formation in Controlled Hydrodynamic Conditions. Microorganisms 2021; 9:microorganisms9091993. [PMID: 34576888 PMCID: PMC8468346 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms9091993] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2021] [Revised: 09/14/2021] [Accepted: 09/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The early colonization of surfaces and subsequent biofilm development have severe impacts in environmental, industrial, and biomedical settings since they entail high costs and health risks. To develop more effective biofilm control strategies, there is a need to obtain laboratory biofilms that resemble those found in natural or man-made settings. Since microbial adhesion and biofilm formation are strongly affected by hydrodynamics, the knowledge of flow characteristics in different marine, food processing, and medical device locations is essential. Once the hydrodynamic conditions are known, platforms for cell adhesion and biofilm formation should be selected and operated, in order to obtain reproducible biofilms that mimic those found in target scenarios. This review focuses on the most widely used platforms that enable the study of initial microbial adhesion and biofilm formation under controlled hydrodynamic conditions—modified Robbins devices, flow chambers, rotating biofilm devices, microplates, and microfluidic devices—and where numerical simulations have been used to define relevant flow characteristics, namely the shear stress and shear rate.
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Silva ER, Tulcidas AV, Ferreira O, Bayón R, Igartua A, Mendoza G, Mergulhão FJM, Faria SI, Gomes LC, Carvalho S, Bordado JCM. Assessment of the environmental compatibility and antifouling performance of an innovative biocidal and foul-release multifunctional marine coating. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2021; 198:111219. [PMID: 33965385 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2021.111219] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2021] [Revised: 04/09/2021] [Accepted: 04/22/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
The control of marine biofouling has raised serious environmental concerns, thus the continuous release of toxic and persistent biocidal agents applied as anti-biofouling coatings have triggered the search for non-toxic strategies. However, most of them still lack rigorous evaluation of their ecotoxicity and antifouling effects under real scenarios and their correlation with simulated assays. In this work, the biocide releasing risk and ecotoxicity of a biocidal and foul-release polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS)-based marine coating containing grafted Econea biocide (<0.6 wt.%) were evaluated under simulated real mechanical wear conditions at a pilot-scale system, and under extreme wear scenarios (washability settings). The coating system demonstrated low environmental impact against the model Vibrio fischeri bacterium and marine algae, associated with the effective biocide grafting in the coating matrix and subsequent biocide release minimization. This multifunctional coating system also showed auspicious antifouling (AF) effects, with an AF performance index significantly higher (API > 89) than a single foul-release system (AF < 40) after two and half years at a real immersion scenario in the Portuguese shore of the Atlantic Ocean. These field results corroborated the antibiofilm performance evaluated with Pseudoalteromonas tunicata at simulated dynamic marine conditions after seven-week assays. This eco-friendly multifunctional strategy, validated by both simulated testing conditions and real field tests, is believed to be a powerful tool for the development of AF technologies and a potential contribution to the quest for new environmentally friendly antifouling solutions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisabete R Silva
- BioISI- Biosystems & Integrative Sciences Institute, Faculty of Sciences, University of Lisboa, 1749-016, Lisboa, Portugal; CERENA - Centro de Recursos Naturais e Ambientais, Instituto Superior Técnico, University of Lisboa, Avenida Rovisco Pais 1, 1049-001, Lisboa, Portugal.
| | - Ameessa V Tulcidas
- CERENA - Centro de Recursos Naturais e Ambientais, Instituto Superior Técnico, University of Lisboa, Avenida Rovisco Pais 1, 1049-001, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Olga Ferreira
- BioISI- Biosystems & Integrative Sciences Institute, Faculty of Sciences, University of Lisboa, 1749-016, Lisboa, Portugal; CERENA - Centro de Recursos Naturais e Ambientais, Instituto Superior Técnico, University of Lisboa, Avenida Rovisco Pais 1, 1049-001, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Raquel Bayón
- Fundación Tekniker, c/Iñaki Goenaga, 5, 20600 Eibar, Spain
| | - Amaya Igartua
- Fundación Tekniker, c/Iñaki Goenaga, 5, 20600 Eibar, Spain
| | - Gemma Mendoza
- Fundación Tekniker, c/Iñaki Goenaga, 5, 20600 Eibar, Spain
| | - Filipe J M Mergulhão
- LEPABE - Laboratory for Process Engineering, Environment, Biotechnology and Energy, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Rua Dr. Roberto Frias, 4200-465, Porto, Portugal
| | - Sara I Faria
- LEPABE - Laboratory for Process Engineering, Environment, Biotechnology and Energy, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Rua Dr. Roberto Frias, 4200-465, Porto, Portugal
| | - Luciana C Gomes
- LEPABE - Laboratory for Process Engineering, Environment, Biotechnology and Energy, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Rua Dr. Roberto Frias, 4200-465, Porto, Portugal
| | - Sílvia Carvalho
- CERENA - Centro de Recursos Naturais e Ambientais, Instituto Superior Técnico, University of Lisboa, Avenida Rovisco Pais 1, 1049-001, Lisboa, Portugal; CQB - Centro de Química Estrutural, Faculty of Sciences, University of Lisboa, Campo Grande, 1749-016, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - João C M Bordado
- CERENA - Centro de Recursos Naturais e Ambientais, Instituto Superior Técnico, University of Lisboa, Avenida Rovisco Pais 1, 1049-001, Lisboa, Portugal
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Unveiling the Antifouling Performance of Different Marine Surfaces and Their Effect on the Development and Structure of Cyanobacterial Biofilms. Microorganisms 2021; 9:microorganisms9051102. [PMID: 34065462 PMCID: PMC8161073 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms9051102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2021] [Revised: 05/10/2021] [Accepted: 05/17/2021] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Since biofilm formation by microfoulers significantly contributes to the fouling process, it is important to evaluate the performance of marine surfaces to prevent biofilm formation, as well as understand their interactions with microfoulers and how these affect biofilm development and structure. In this study, the long-term performance of five surface materials—glass, perspex, polystyrene, epoxy-coated glass, and a silicone hydrogel coating—in inhibiting biofilm formation by cyanobacteria was evaluated. For this purpose, cyanobacterial biofilms were developed under controlled hydrodynamic conditions typically found in marine environments, and the biofilm cell number, wet weight, chlorophyll a content, and biofilm thickness and structure were assessed after 49 days. In order to obtain more insight into the effect of surface properties on biofilm formation, they were characterized concerning their hydrophobicity and roughness. Results demonstrated that silicone hydrogel surfaces were effective in inhibiting cyanobacterial biofilm formation. In fact, biofilms formed on these surfaces showed a lower number of biofilm cells, chlorophyll a content, biofilm thickness, and percentage and size of biofilm empty spaces compared to remaining surfaces. Additionally, our results demonstrated that the surface properties, together with the features of the fouling microorganisms, have a considerable impact on marine biofouling potential.
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Chiovatto ACL, de Godoi AVO, Zanardi-Lamardo E, Duarte FA, DelValls TÁ, Pereira CDS, Castro ÍB. Effects of substances released from a coal tar-based coating used to protect harbor structures on oysters. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2021; 166:112221. [PMID: 33684704 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2021.112221] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2020] [Revised: 02/22/2021] [Accepted: 02/25/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Products coal tar-based are largely used as concrete structures as protective coatings but some questions about leaching and potential toxic effects remain unclear. A laboratory experiment exposing oysters to miniaturized concrete pillars painted with Lackpoxi N1761 over time was performed and trace elements and 17 PAH were monitored in seawater exposure media, and oyster tissues. The original paint composition was also analyzed, and high concentrations of trace elements and PAH were detected. Sharp increases in PAH concentrations were observed after 6-96 h in exposure media and oyster tissues, suggesting that these compounds were leached from the painted structures. In parallel, the integrity of the hemocytes lysosomal membranes of exposed organisms has been damaged. Based on the response of this biomarker, the use of Lackpoxi N1761 is potentially harmful to the environment and it is required that coal tar-based paints be evaluated according to the environmental risk assessment protocols.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Eliete Zanardi-Lamardo
- Departamento de Oceanografia, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco (UFPE), Recife, PE, Brazil
| | - Fabio Andrei Duarte
- Departamento de Química, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria (UFSM), Santa Maria, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | - Tomás Ángel DelValls
- Laboratório de Ecotoxicologia, Universidade Santa Cecília (UNISANTA), Santos, SP, Brazil
| | - Camilo Dias Seabra Pereira
- Instituto do Mar, Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP), Santos, São Paulo, Brazil; Laboratório de Ecotoxicologia, Universidade Santa Cecília (UNISANTA), Santos, SP, Brazil
| | - Ítalo Braga Castro
- Instituto do Mar, Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP), Santos, São Paulo, Brazil.
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Cai Y, Bing W, Chen C, Chen Z. Gaseous Plastron on Natural and Biomimetic Surfaces for Resisting Marine Biofouling. Molecules 2021; 26:molecules26092592. [PMID: 33946767 PMCID: PMC8125344 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26092592] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2021] [Revised: 04/23/2021] [Accepted: 04/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
In recent years, various biomimetic materials capable of forming gaseous plastron on their surfaces have been fabricated and widely used in various disciplines and fields. In particular, on submerged surfaces, gaseous plastron has been widely studied for antifouling applications due to its ecological and economic advantages. Gaseous plastron can be formed on the surfaces of various natural living things, including plants, insects, and animals. Gaseous plastron has shown inherent anti-biofouling properties, which has inspired the development of novel theories and strategies toward resisting biofouling formation on different surfaces. In this review, we focused on the research progress of gaseous plastron and its antifouling applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yujie Cai
- School of Chemistry and Life Science, Changchun University of Technology, 2055 Yanan Street, Changchun 130012, China;
- Advanced Institute of Materials Science, Changchun University of Technology, 2055 Yanan Street, Changchun 130012, China
| | - Wei Bing
- School of Chemistry and Life Science, Changchun University of Technology, 2055 Yanan Street, Changchun 130012, China;
- Advanced Institute of Materials Science, Changchun University of Technology, 2055 Yanan Street, Changchun 130012, China
- Correspondence: (W.B.); (Z.C.)
| | - Chen Chen
- Institute of Food Safety and Environment Monitoring, College of Chemistry, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou 350108, China;
| | - Zhaowei Chen
- Institute of Food Safety and Environment Monitoring, College of Chemistry, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou 350108, China;
- Correspondence: (W.B.); (Z.C.)
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Developing New Marine Antifouling Surfaces: Learning from Single-Strain Laboratory Tests. COATINGS 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/coatings11010090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
The development of antifouling (AF) technology for marine environments is an area of intense research given the severe economic and ecological effects of marine biofouling. Preliminary data from in vitro assays is frequently used to screen the performance of AF coatings. It is intuitive that microbial composition plays a major role in surface colonization. The rationale behind this study is to investigate whether using a mixed population for the in vitro tests yields substantially different results than using single strains during initial screening. A polymeric coating was tested against single- and dual-species cultures of two common microfouler organisms for 49 days. A bacterium (Pseudoaltermonas tunicata) and a cyanobacterium (Cyanobium sp. LEGE 10375) were used in this study. Linear regression analysis revealed that Cyanobium sp. biofilms were significantly associated with a higher number of cells, wet weight, thickness, and biovolume compared to dual-species biofilms. P. tunicata alone had a biofilm growth kinetics similar to dual-species biofilms, although the P. tunicata–Cyanobium sp. mixture developed less dense and thinner biofilms compared to both single-species biofilms. Cyanobium sp. LEGE 10375 biofilms provided the worst-case scenario, i.e., the conditions that caused higher biofilm amounts on the surface material under test. Therefore, it is likely that assessing the AF performance of new coatings using the most stringent conditions may yield more robust results than using a mixed population, as competition between microfouler organisms may reduce the biofilm formation capacity of the consortium.
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