Dosage of anti biofouling (antifouling)

The purpose of anti-biofouling testing is to assess the ability of a material, active agent, or coating to resist biofouling. Biofouling is a natural phenomenon characterized by the progressive adhesion of algae, bacteria, fungi, marine microorganisms, biofilms, or macroscopic organisms such as shellfish. This colonization has significant consequences for the functionality of materials: loss of performance, increased hydrodynamic drag on marine surfaces, mechanical damage, chemical degradation, reduced lifespan, and increased energy consumption in equipment.

Antifouling evaluation is therefore essential for industries dealing with materials exposed to water or environments conducive to biological contamination. It primarily concerns the maritime sector, engineering polymers, packaging materials, protective coatings, functional films, nutraceuticals (natural antimicrobial agents), and surface treatments designed to limit fouling. These analyses allow for the objective measurement of antifouling solution performance, the comparison of different formulations, and the validation of effectiveness within the context of product development or industrial optimization.

Analytical methods and available protocols

Antifouling analysis can be based on different protocols, chosen according to the type of material being tested, the end-use environment, and the expected mechanism of action. Among the most common methods are:

1. Standardized tests under controlled conditions.
   Some protocols aim to reproduce real-world exposure conditions as closely as possible: immersion in contaminated artificial environments, agitation, temperature variations, or day/night cycles. These tests allow observation of biofilm formation or colonization by model organisms. Efficacy is measured using visual, gravimetric, or microscopic criteria.

2. Microbial bioassays:
   These tests involve exposing a microbial population to a material or active agent to measure growth inhibition, cell adhesion, biofilm formation, or microbial viability. They rely on model microorganisms adapted to marine, food, or industrial environments.

3. Direct observation and microscopy:
   Analyses using optical microscopy, SEM, or fluorescence allow visualization and quantification of surface colonization. They are particularly useful for studying the actual state of surfaces and understanding adhesion mechanisms.

4. Release and stability tests
   : For active antifouling coatings, it may be necessary to evaluate migration, release of active agents, their residual concentration, or their stability over time. These tests are often combined with chemical analyses using ICP-MS, HPLC, or GC-MS.

5. Surface property measurements
   : Antifouling performance sometimes depends on physical factors such as surface energy, roughness, or hydrophobicity. Measurements such as contact angle, 3D roughness, or surface chemical analysis can complement the evaluation.

Affected matrices

Antifouling analyses are applicable to a wide range of technical and natural matrices, including:

• marine paints and hull coatings
• engineering polymers, films and sheets
• composite materials
• treated metal surfaces
• protective glues, resins or varnishes
• plant extracts used as bioactive agents
• industrial packaging exposed to humidity
• materials intended for water filtration or treatment

Industrial applications

Antifouling assessment helps to address various issues:

• development of marine anti-fouling coatings
• comparison of antifouling formulations
• validation of natural antimicrobial or anti-adhesive agents
• optimization of materials intended for humid environments
• reduction of maintenance costs on equipment
• improving the durability of polymers exposed to water
• Surface characterization and study of bioadhesion mechanisms
• Further analyses recommended

YesWeLab offers associated services enabling a complete characterization:

• MIC type antimicrobial tests
• Analysis and quantification of biofilms
• Migration study from polymers or coatings

Why choose YesWeLab?

At YesWeLab , we collaborate with a rigorously selected network of laboratories, most of which are certified and accredited according to ISO 17025 or COFRAC standards. We select the laboratory best suited to your matrix and the type of test required, whether it be a bioassay, a surface analysis, or a standardized test.

Our scientific team assists you in defining the protocol, selecting methods, and interpreting the results. Since 2020, numerous industrial companies, manufacturers, engineering firms, and laboratories have relied on our digital platform to easily manage their analyses.

For any specific request or to be directed to the most relevant protocol, you can contact us now.