A novel multistage strategy for non-toxic anti-biofouling coatings by combining antifouling photocatalytic doped TiO2 nanostructured films with fouling release slippery liquid-infused porous surfaces (SLIPS) approaches.

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The undesirable accumulation of biological matter on surfaces is a serious problem affecting a wide range of industries of our society. Biofilms in pipelines and heat exchangers provoke biocorrosion leading to equipment failure, biomedical devices, and food facilities suffer from an accumulation of harmful bacteria triggering the spread of infectious diseases and even human mortality, fouling of marine species in the shipping industry increases fuel consumption causing unnecessary CO2/SO2 emissions. Biofilms are often treated with antibiotics; but, the development of multiple drug resistance and adverse side effects are major drawbacks for conventional antimicrobial agents. Thus, novel approaches are required to prevent biofouling. Inspired by nature, omniphobic slippery liquid-infused porous surfaces (SLIPS) effectively repel various liquids and microorganisms. However, they suffer significantly from lubricant depletion finally leading to biofouling attachment. In this study, we will develop a novel composite multifunctional coating consisting of anti-fouling photocatalytic in the UV/Vis spectral range TiO2/WO3 nanostructures combined with a fouling-release SLIPS approach to compensate lubricant depletion and substantially extend anti-biofouling performance. We will elaborate and apply laboratory-based bio-assays to study and characterize the multilevel adhesion of organic molecules, bacteria and marine alga to the designed surfaces dependent on the photocatalytic activity of the substrate, the infused lubricant, and synergy between them to investigate their antifouling performance. The specific objective of this research is an advanced understanding of the design factors that are important for the antifouling performance of the combined surfaces for their further implementation in real-life applications. We expect a high impact of this project on the scientific community, the private sector, and the society in general.