Study of macrobiofouling (e.g. algae, barnacles)

The study of macrobiofouling aims to characterize the biological fouling of surfaces exposed to marine or humid environments by macroscopic organisms such as algae, barnacles, shellfish, or other attached species. This natural phenomenon affects numerous submerged or semi-submerged materials and structures and can lead to major technical, economic, and environmental impacts. In the materials, polymers, and technical packaging sectors, macrobiofouling is a critical issue for surface durability, the functional performance of coatings, and equipment maintenance.

Principle and objectives of the study

Macrobiofouling is an advanced stage of biofouling, generally following the formation of a microbial biofilm. The study involves observing, identifying, and quantifying the macroscopic organisms that colonize an exposed surface, as well as monitoring their evolution over time. Analyses can be performed directly in situ, on samples exposed in real-world environments, or in the laboratory using sampled surfaces. The objectives are multiple: to assess a material's susceptibility to biofouling, to compare the effectiveness of antifouling coatings, to understand the mechanisms of adhesion and colonization, and to anticipate maintenance and cleaning needs.

Analytical methods implemented

The study of macrobiofouling relies on a combination of biological and observational techniques. Enumeration on specific culture media allows for the quantification of certain biological populations associated with the studied surface and the monitoring of their development under controlled conditions. This approach provides semi-quantitative data on colonization dynamics.
Microscopy , whether optical or at higher magnification as needed, is used to observe the morphology of attached organisms, their mode of adhesion, the structure of the underlying biofilm, and the condition of the material's surface. Microscopic observation also allows for the differentiation of various types of organisms (filamentous algae, juvenile barnacles, shellfish in the implantation phase) and the identification of any defects or preferential colonization zones.
Depending on the objectives, the study may include temporal monitoring to assess the rate of colonization and the progression of macrobiofouling.

Industrial and technical challenges

Macrobiofouling poses a major challenge for many industrial sectors. In marine environments, it can significantly increase surface roughness, lead to a loss of hydrodynamic performance, accelerate corrosion, or weaken materials. For antifouling coatings, this study allows for the evaluation of their actual effectiveness, durability, and behavior under conditions close to end-use.
In industrial facilities exposed to humidity or seawater, macrobiofouling can generate high maintenance costs, production downtime, or risks of premature degradation. The analysis helps identify the most resistant materials or surface treatments, optimize protection strategies, and plan preventive maintenance operations.

Applications in materials and polymers

Macrobiofouling studies are particularly relevant for polymer materials, composites, and coatings used in marine or humid environments. They allow for the comparison of different substrates, formulations, and surface treatments, and the selection of the most suitable solutions for a given environment. The results are used in R&D to develop new antifouling materials, as well as in quality control to validate the conformity of existing products. In engineering projects, these studies provide essential data for the design of durable and high-performance equipment.

Matrices and surfaces analyzed

Analyses can be performed on test panels, coatings, polymer parts, composites, coated or uncoated metals, and any surface exposed to a marine or humid environment. Samples can be obtained from real-world immersion tests, experimental platforms, or field feedback. The study can be adapted to flat or complex surfaces depending on the project requirements.

Added value YesWeLab

YesWeLab relies on a network of laboratories specializing in biofouling, microbiology, and the observation of surfaces exposed to complex natural environments. Our partners, most of whom are ISO 17025 and COFRAC certified or accredited, possess the expertise and infrastructure necessary to conduct reliable and representative studies. Our scientific team supports you in defining the protocol, selecting observation methods, interpreting results, and applying the data to industrial applications. Since 2020, manufacturers, engineering firms, and materials producers have entrusted us with the centralized management of their analyses through our digital platform.

Related analyses in the YesWeLab catalog

To complement a macrobiofouling study, the following analyses are frequently combined:

• Study of microbiofouling and biofilm
• Antifouling coating effectiveness tests
• Microscopic observation of the surface condition
• Roughness analysis