Mikrofouling

Mikrofouling refers to the accumulation of very small biological organisms, primarily microorganisms like bacteria and microalgae, on submerged surfaces. This process is a crucial initial stage of larger biofouling phenomena. It begins with the formation of a conditioning film, which is a layer of organic molecules derived from the surrounding water. This film alters the surface properties, making it more attractive for microbial colonization.

Once the conditioning film is established, planktonic microbes readily attach to the surface. This initial attachment is often reversible, but as microbial communities grow and divide, they form a more stable biofilm. Within this biofilm, microorganisms create a self-produced matrix of extracellular polymeric substances (EPS), which are complex mixtures of polysaccharides, proteins, and nucleic acids. This EPS matrix provides structural integrity to the biofilm, protects the embedded microbes from environmental stresses like disinfectants and shear forces, and facilitates nutrient exchange.

Mikrofouling can occur on a wide range of submerged materials, including ship hulls, water intake pipes, medical implants, and even natural aquatic structures. The consequences of mikrofouling are varied and can be detrimental. On industrial equipment, it can lead to reduced efficiency, increased drag, corrosion, and blockage of flow. In marine environments, it contributes to the initial stages of biofouling on ship hulls, increasing fuel consumption. In biomedical applications, mikrofouling on implants can trigger immune responses and lead to infection. Understanding and controlling mikrofouling is therefore essential in many technological and biological contexts.