AVS 64th International Symposium & Exhibition
    Biomaterial Interfaces Division Monday Sessions
       Session BI-MoM

Paper BI-MoM4
Considering the Consequences of a Paradigm Shift in Biofouling Management

Monday, October 30, 2017, 9:20 am, Room 12

Session: Engineering a Paradigm Shift in Control of Microbes and Fouling
Presenter: Daniel Rittschof, Duke University
Authors: D. Rittschof, Duke University
B. Orihuela, Duke University
K. Efimenko, NC State University
J. Genzer, NC State University
Correspondent: Click to Email
Present Fouling Management Strategies that use long-lived, broad-spectrum biocides are not sustainable because they alter ecosystem services and threaten food security. As globalization continues, human populations increase and wild fisheries collapse there will be increasing pressure and genuine need for less environmentally damaging approaches. A question that should be asked up front for any new fouling management technology is what are the environmental, food security and human health consequences if a technology gains market share. Information on impacts of industrial grade components, acute and chronic toxicity, breakdown and non-toxic biological effects such as teratogenicity, carcinogenicity and environmental steroid activity should be evaluated. This presentation looks at a few of the details of basic silicone coatings which have had their components purified and then tested for acute toxicity, impacts on a hydrolytic enzyme and teratogenicity. Some components like catalysts and small cyclics are extremely toxic. Other components impact enzyme activity, some inhibit activity other potentiate activity. Terratogenicity assays are so sensitive that even effects of medical grade silicones can be demonstrated. This information needs to be taken as preliminary factual information that can be used by engineers in developing risk benefit analysis.