Graphene-enzyme-based nanohybrid agent to overcome environmental and sustainability thresholds in water management systems

Biofouling on surfaces is one of the most pressing global threats, exacerbated by the world growing population and subsequent industrial activities, as well as climate change. It affects all societal infrastructures, including maritime operations, water management and food/beverage systems.

The main problem underlying all these infrastructures is the colonisation of microorganisms on water-contact surfaces, forming biofilms.

Biofilms can harbour microbial populations of disease-causing pathogens, which are associated with waterborne disease outbreaks that occur every year worldwide, and their disinfection is currently a critical and challenging process.

Biofilms are also associated with Microbially Influenced Corrosion (MIC), which is estimated to affect up to 20% of corrosion in water management systems, costing billions of dollars only for rehabilitation.

Hitherto, the most effective anti-biofouling strategies rely on the release of toxic and persistent bioactive agents, remaining ineffective to prevent biofilm formation on surfaces under the current demand and environmental guidelines.

Under BioNanoAct, a new bioactive bio-nanohybrid agent generated by the in-situ synthesis of metal nanoparticles in enzyme-grafted bio-graphene matrices will be developed and immobilised in polymeric formulations to produce novel nanocomposite coatings with long-lasting anti-fouling and anti-MIC protective effects on surfaces.

These multifunctional bio-based nanomaterials will overcome current limitations in biofouling mitigation and enable scientific breakthroughs, particularly in synthesis and grafting methodologies, as well as in the interaction between biofilm-smart material and engineered waterborne systems.

This project will also bring together researchers and industry professionals working on state-of-the-art strategies for biofouling mitigation and MIC that will provide interdisciplinary training and a solid platform for knowledge transfer to the MSCA researcher.