Abstract

Based on the nature of accumulated foulants, fouling is classified into organic, inorganic, particulate, and biological categories. Among these categories, the last one, i.e., biofouling, is considered the most problematic, posing numerous challenges in industry, medicine, and other fields. Biofouling is the accumulation of micro and/or macro biological compounds such as proteins, peptides, cells and cellular components, bacteria, COVID-19 virus, yeast, fungi and algae on surfaces. Given the critical importance of identifying and predicting biofouling, establishing efficient control, and adopting suitable strategies to minimize associated damage becomes essential. This review focuses precisely on addressing this crucial issue.

Keywords:Anti-biofouling surface; Biofouling; Biological compounds; Foulants; Polyethylene glycol; Zwitterionic polymers