Anti-fouling methods using enzyme coatings
AssigneeDuke University
InventorsCelia Bonaventura, Joseph Bonaventura, Irving R. Hooper
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Abstract
A method for preventing fouling of an aquatic apparatus by an aquatic organism which comprises affixing a biologically active chemical to a surface intended for use in contact with an aquatic environment containing the organism, wherein the chemical is an enzyme, repellant, chelating agent, enzyme inhibitor, or non-metallic toxicant capable of hindering the attachment of the organism to the surface while affixed to the surface, is disclosed along with improved apparatuses which are produced using the method.
Claims14
A method for preventing fouling of an aquatic apparatus by an aquatic organism without contamination of the environment, which comprises:
- applying a composition containing an inert matrix having an enzyme chemically bonded thereto, to a surface of said apparatus, wherein said chemically bonded enzyme is capable of hindering attachment of said organism to said surface while applied to said surface;
- and
- contacting at least part of said surface with an aquatic environment which contains an aquatic organism capable of fouling said aquatic apparatus and is one aquatic environment selected from the group consisting of natural fresh-water environments, estuary aquatic environments, sea waters, cooling tower systems, fresh water piping systems, salt water piping systems, ponds, lakes, harbors, dredged channels, and desalination systems, thereby hindering attachment of said organism to said surface by interfering with said organisms mechanisms for attachment to submerged surfaces.
A method for preventing fouling of an aquatic apparatus by an aquatic organism without contamination of the environment, which comprises:
- coating a surface of said apparatus with a composition containing an inert matrix and a biologically active enzyme chemically bonded to said inert matrix, wherein said enzyme is capable of hindering attachment of said organism to said surface while coated on said surface, wherein said apparatus is one member selected from the group consisting of ship hulls, pilings, glass and other transparent observation windows, sonar domes, water-conducting pipes, cooling towers, ponds, pumps, and valves.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.