Super-low Fouling Zwitterionic-based Materials

Introduction Tin-based antifouling paints are being phased out due to marine pollution concerns. Non-toxic silicone and fluorinated coatings are under development, but these are easy release coatings rather than antifouling. PEG is the most commonly used antifouling polymer coating, but its susceptibility to oxidation damage may reduce its utility in the marine industry. A more stable super-low fouling material is desirable for marine coating applications. Technology description This invention relates to using naturally-occurring zwitterionic materials, which contain both acidic and basic groups, as a super-low fouling coating for biomaterials. These materials have been actively studied for applications to the field of medicine and are shown in this invention to have extremely low protein adsorption. UW researchers have demonstrated that these materials perform as excellent barriers to marine organisms. Business opportunity This technology should be of interest for marine coating applications or in other applications where low-fouling of biological material is desirable. Intellectual property position The UW has pending patents on this technology.

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