Preventing Biofouling with Nanozymes

Fouling refers to various deposits on the surface of materials that are detrimental to the properties of the material itself, including inorganic deposits, organic, and biological adhesions. Fouling caused by biological attachment is called biological fouling. Biofouling is common in nature and is highly harmful to humans. Especially marine biological pollution. For example, marine organisms attached to the bottom of a ship cause increased drag and bio-corrosion.

Nanozymes are enzyme-like catalytic nanomaterials that follow enzyme dynamics under physiologically relevant conditions. They are characterized by high efficiency, tunable activity, easy scaling and recyclability. Creative Enzymes offers enzyme types for biofouling prevention, for efforts to be environmentally friendly.

Antifouling with V₂O₅ Nanozymes

• Biofouling can lead to corrosion of metal surfaces and contamination of medical equipment, and nanozymes also have the role of preventing biofouling.
• Creative Enzymes establishes vanadium pentoxide nanozymes with vanadium halo-peroxidase activity to inhibit biofilm formation. In the presence of hydrogen peroxide, bromine ions are oxidized to produce hypo-bromic acid (HOBr) and singlet oxygen (¹O₂), and the latter of which has strong antimicrobial activity.

Fig. 1 Antifouling with nanozymes.

• Vanadium pentoxide nanozymes coated on stainless steel surface can inhibit microbial adhesion and effectively prevent the formation of biofilm in seawater, which has potential application value in anti-fouling of ship hull.

Antifouling with CeO_2-x Nanozymes

• We develop cerium oxide (CeO_2-x) nanozymes with similar halogenated peroxidase, and they have catalytic function for seawater antifouling.
• The Ce⁴⁺ / Ce³⁺ mediates REDOX reaction on the surface of cerium oxide nanozymes, which can use hydrogen peroxide to oxidize bromine ion (Br^-) in seawater to highly active HOBr. So, the nanozymes can react with quorum sensing in biofilms.
• Cerium oxide nanozymes as coating can effectively prevent the binding of bacteria and other microorganisms on its surface, and can be used as a new alternative material for seawater antifouling treatment.

Antifouling with Co-Al-Ce Nanozymes

• Nanozymes are environmental antifouling materials by producing reactive oxygen species (ROS).
• We prepare stable Co-Al-Ce mixed metal oxides (MMO). In addition, we find MMO coupling with CeO₂ can enhance peroxidase (POx) activity.
• This novel Co-Al-Ce MMO also exhibits the mode of antimicrobial action of Gram-negative bacteria in near-neutral pH solutions by producing ROS, mainly ·O^2-, in the presence of H₂O₂. It can therefore be used as a potential green marine antifouling material.

Creative Enzymes has a long-standing commitment to the development and application of nano-zymes. We are pleased to use our extensive experience and advanced platform to provide satisfied service and qualified products to meet the needs of each of our customers. If you are interested in our services or have some questions, please feel free to contact us or make an online inquiry.