Marine biofouling is a persistent challenge in the maritime and offshore industries. From increased drag on vessels to structural degradation of piers and oil rigs, the accumulation of biofilms and larger marine organisms presents significant economic and operational burdens.

At the Singapore National Biofilm Consortium talk on ‘Alternative solutions to combat marine biofilm fouling’, Dr Stephen Summers, Senior Research Fellow at SCELSE, presented a compelling case for nature-inspired approaches to biofouling management. Read on for a summary of his enlightening talk ‘Harnessing microbial communication – Nature-inspired solutions to combat biofouling in marine industries’.

Understanding the problem: What is biofouling?

Biofouling occurs when microorganisms, algae, and invertebrates colonise surfaces submerged in water. This buildup increases hydrodynamic drag, leading to higher fuel consumption in ships and reduced manoeuvrability. Additionally, biofouling can contribute to corrosion, regulatory compliance challenges, and high maintenance costs.

Traditional antifouling strategies primarily rely on biocidal coatings, which release toxic compounds to deter organisms. However, environmental regulations are increasingly restricting the use of these chemicals due to their ecological impact.

Innovative approaches

Learning from nature, Dr Summers highlighted promising alternative antifouling strategies that leverage natural biological mechanisms. These include:

1. Biomimetic antifouling solutions
Some marine organisms naturally deter colonisation by releasing biochemical compounds. By incorporating these into coatings, researchers aim to develop more sustainable antifouling solutions.
• Terpenoids: These volatile compounds, produced by certain marine organisms, inhibit biofilm formation and deter settlement of larger fouling organisms.
• Halogenated compounds: Naturally occurring in marine algae and invertebrates, these compounds create a chemical barrier that reduces fouling.
• Lipopolypeptides: Bacterially derived molecules that disrupt settlement and biofilm formation by interfering with microbial communication.

2. Disrupting microbial communication
Dr Summers emphasised that biofilms act as a precursor to large-scale fouling. Bacteria communicate through signalling molecules, such as quorum sensing compounds and outer membrane vesicles (OMVs). By disrupting these signals, settlement of biofouling organisms can be reduced or controlled.
• Outer membrane vesicles (OMVs): These vesicles contain lipopolysaccharides that influence larval settlement. Modifying these structures can prevent or control biofilm formation.
• Quorum sensing inhibitors: Blocking bacterial signalling pathways can suppress biofilm maturation, making it harder for larger organisms to settle.

Challenges and opportunities for industry adoption

While nature-based solutions hold great promise, challenges remain in scaling up production and ensuring regulatory compliance. Key considerations include:

• Stability & delivery mechanisms: Many natural compounds degrade quickly in harsh marine environments. Encapsulation techniques or slow-release coatings may be required to enhance their longevity.
• Selective efficacy: Different antifouling compounds target specific organisms. A broad-spectrum solution that works across diverse marine conditions is needed.
• Regulatory hurdles: Even though these solutions are derived from natural sources, they require thorough environmental impact assessments to ensure safety and effectiveness.

Bridging research and commercialisation

Dr Summers concluded by calling for stronger collaboration between researchers and industry stakeholders. Moving from lab-scale testing to real-world application requires investment in pilot studies and commercialisation strategies. The maritime sector has much to gain from sustainable antifouling solutions that not only reduce maintenance costs but also align with environmental regulations.

As research advances, biofilm-focused antifouling strategies may soon redefine industry standards. Instead of merely repelling marine life, we may see coatings that actively manage biofilm communities—favouring benign biofilms over harmful fouling species. This shift could transform marine biofouling management, creating a more sustainable future for shipping and offshore industries.

These insights by Dr Summers, shared on 6 March 2025 at Chevrons, underscore the urgency of exploring eco-friendly antifouling solutions. The future of marine coatings lies not in toxic chemicals but in harnessing the power of microbial communication and biomimetic defences.