“Biofouling” is where marine organisms attach to hard surfaces, which is a major problem for marine aquaculture. A common solution is to use paint that contains copper since the copper will inhibit attachment to hard surfaces. The problem is that copper can accumulate in sediments and this poses environmental problems. ePaint has developed a soy-based resin that contains a photosensitizer that, in the presence of blue light, causes the formation of peroxides. The peroxides are short lived but they are effective in deterring attachment by marine tunicates, sponges, and other organisms to hard surfaces. ePaint is working with shellfish farmers in New England and salmon farmers in Canada, Norway, and Chile and are in the process of commercializing their anti-fouling paint.
Want to read about more impacts like this? Check out Fresh from the Field, a weekly bulletin showcasing transformative impacts made by grantees funded by NIFA.
