Working in collaboration with the Centre for Marine Microsystems at the National Oceanography Centre, the EHU are researching methods of reducing biofouling in marine micro-sensors.
Surfaces immersed in the aquatic environment can become covered in a slime or a biofilm. Biofilms are made up of micro-organisms and extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) and can have detrimental effects on the functioning of the sensors. When biofilms grow on the surfaces it can degrade performance. It is also possible that secondary metabolites released into the water by micro-organisms may affect the reactions between reagents in the sensors.
We are developing methods of biofilm remediation using a combination of biocompatible polymers, copper, and controlled release of chemicals such as nitric oxide.
