Antifouling coatings based on the synergistic action of biogenic antimicrobial agents and low surface energy silicone resins and their application to marine aquaculture nets

Aquaculture nets used in seawater for a long time are susceptible to biofouling, and antifouling coatings are a cost-effective way to solve this problem. In this study, biogenic antimicrobial components were extracted from two plants, Houttuynia and Scutellarin, and modified with methylphenyl silicone resin (MSR) by physical blending. Two flexible antifouling coatings with synergistic action of biogenic antimicrobial agents and low surface energy silicone resin for marine aquaculture nets were prepared separately. The prepared coatings retained the low surface energy properties of silicone resin: the contact angles (CA) were all over 130 degrees, degrees , and the surface energy (SE) were all below 1.5 mN/m. Meanwhile, the coatings with Houttuynia and Scutellarin additives showed inhibition rates of more than 90 % against Staphylococcus aureus (S. S. aureus) ) and Escherichia coli (E. E. coli), ), and more than 50 % against Chlorella vulgaris. . Marine Field Test showed that the coatings containing Scutellarin and Houttuynia additives reduced fouling adhesion by 17.24 % and 35.92 %, respectively, compared with Ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) net coats without any additives. This study provides an efficient and environmentally friendly solution for antifouling treatment of marine aquaculture nets, which is of positive significance for enhancing the sustainable development of Marine Ranching.