Micro-Encapsulation and Antifouling Coatings: Development of Poly(lactic acid) Microspheres Containing Bioactive Molecules

Environmental legislation compels marine paints companies to develop non toxic antifouling coatings respecting ecosystems. In this work, biodegradable polymers are used to conceive delivery systems with a lifetime of many months. For this purpose, chlorhexidine was encapsulated in poly(L-lactide) microspheres and incorporated in antifouling formulations. The characterization (encapsulation yield, surface morphology, particle size) and antibacterial activity (bacteriostatic and bactericidal effects) of microspheres were carried out by using scanning electronic (SEM) and confocal laser scanning microscopies (CLSM). The results indicate a good ability of loaded microspheres to be formulated even though an excellent activity against selected marine bacteria is conserved. This is a promising approach to develop biodegradable antifouling paints based on non toxic molecules and bioactive surfaces.