Engineers at the University of Massachusetts Amherst have developed a groundbreaking solution to combat biofilm formation in underwater environments. The team has successfully engineered ultraviolet (UV) rays-emitting glass, which has demonstrated the capability to reduce up to 98% of biofilm growth on surfaces submerged in marine settings.
Biofilm, known for its slimy layer of various microorganisms thriving on wet surfaces, poses a significant challenge in marine applications. The United States Navy estimates that biofilms cost the fleet between $180 and $260 million annually. Biofilm growth increases a ship’s drag, leading to heightened fuel consumption, as well as corrosion damage on ships and oceanographic equipment. Additionally, biofilm can impair the transparency of windows utilized for cameras and sensing devices and contribute to the transport of non-native species across seas.
Existing solutions for addressing biofilm involve chemical agents such as biocidal coatings to eliminate organisms or nonstick coatings to prevent biofilm attachment. However, these methods can have adverse effects on the ecosystem and offer only temporary reprieves.
In response to these limitations, the UMass Amherst team, with funding from the U.S. Office of Naval Research (ONR), pioneered biofilm-resistant glass utilizing UVC radiation, the most effective wavelength for disinfection. The novel glass features a silica-nanoparticle coating through which UV rays are emitted. During testing in partnership with Florida Tech and the Navy, the glass submerged in Port Canaveral, Florida, exhibited a remarkable 98% reduction in visible biofilm growth compared to untreated glass.
The innovative UV-emitting glass offers a promising strategy for inhibiting biofilm formation on various transparent surfaces, including ship windows, flotation spheres, moored buoys, and camera lenses for oceanographical, agricultural, and water treatment applications. Moreover, the technology has the potential for diverse disinfection applications, marking a significant advancement in marine biofouling prevention.
With a provisional patent for their discovery, the research team is set to optimize the glass for long-term applications, assess environmental effects, and scale up production for larger surface areas. Notably, the potential for preventing biofilm on camera lenses holds promise for extending the deployment duration of underwater optical equipment.
The development of biofilm-resistant glass marks a pivotal step towards addressing one of the longstanding challenges faced by the U.S. Navy and the broader marine industry. With the potential to significantly reduce maintenance costs, fuel consumption, and environmental impact, this innovation has the capacity to transform marine operations and contribute to sustainable oceanographic and defense endeavors.
The research, led by Mariana Lanzarini-Lopes, assistant professor of civil and environmental engineering at UMass Amherst, holds significant promise for revolutionizing biofilm management in marine environments and beyond.
In conclusion, the creation of UV-emitting glass represents a significant leap forward in combating biofilm formation in marine environments, offering a sustainable and effective alternative to chemical treatments. With the potential to revolutionize marine maintenance practices, this innovation holds promise for reducing costs and environmental impact, while enhancing the longevity and efficiency of underwater equipment and infrastructure.