| EPSRC Reference: |
EP/I028471/1 |
| Title: |
Probiotic, biocide-free antifouling coatings based upon sol-gel encapsulated micro-organisms |
| Principal Investigator: |
Akid, Professor R |
| Other Investigators: |
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| Researcher Co-Investigators: |
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| Project Partners: |
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| Department: |
Faculty of Arts Computing Eng and Sci |
| Organisation: |
Sheffield Hallam University |
| Scheme: |
Follow on Fund |
| Starts: |
31 January 2011 |
Ends: |
30 January 2012 |
Value (£): |
131,171
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| EPSRC Research Topic Classifications: |
| Complex fluids & soft solids |
Materials Characterisation |
| Materials testing & eng. |
Population Ecology |
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| EPSRC Industrial Sector Classifications: |
| Aerospace, Defence and Marine |
Construction |
| Environment |
Energy |
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| Related Grants: |
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| Panel History: |
| Panel Date | Panel Name | Outcome |
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20 Oct 2010
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Follow On Fund 9
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Announced
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Summary on Grant Application Form |
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It is interesting to speculate that Nelson's victory at Trafalgar was due to an absence of biofouling on the ship's hulls (which were made of copper, a known biocide) allowing them superior speed.Biofouling is the undesirable accumulation of microorganisms, algae etc which occurs on submersed structures. The effects of biofouling are considerable; increased frictional drag, leading to increased fuel consumption and associated CO2, SOx, NOx emissions; restrictions in internal pipe dimensions leading to loss of flow, increased pressure and poor heat exchange in pipelines and commonly, the development of biofilms that provide habitats for the development of aggressive micro climates that are extremely acidic and lead to rapid rates of corrosion and structural failure, e.g., BP Purdoe Bay pipeline failure was due to microbial induced corrosion (MIC).The aim of this project is to commercialise a non-biocidal antifouling coating. The coating is based upon the concept that 'protective bacteria' encapsulated within a sol-gel matrix, and applied to a surface, will prevent harmful biofilms forming on that surface. The 'protective bacteria' in this case consist of endospores that are naturally ocurring in soil and are non-pathogenic. The concept has been proven in an EPSRC project that will end in October 2010.We propose to work with selected partners who manufacture coatings for the key markets that utilise antifouling coatings. The partners will help with commercial performance testing that will allow us to benchmark our coating against current commercially available coatings. We will address the requirement for the coating to be applied under industrial conditions to large surface areas and the feasibility of applying our coating on top of existing marine coatings that are applied to prevent corrosion. Importantly we will address the issue of scale-up of manufacture, particularly that of endospore production, something that traditional coating manufacturers are not familiar with. The partners will also advise on Health & Safety issues and provide guidance on regulatory requirements of the coating.
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Key Findings |
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This information can now be found on Gateway to Research (GtR) http://gtr.rcuk.ac.uk
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Potential use in non-academic contexts |
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This information can now be found on Gateway to Research (GtR) http://gtr.rcuk.ac.uk
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Impacts |
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| Description |
This information can now be found on Gateway to Research (GtR) http://gtr.rcuk.ac.uk |
| Summary |
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| Date Materialised |
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Sectors submitted by the Researcher |
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This information can now be found on Gateway to Research (GtR) http://gtr.rcuk.ac.uk
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| Project URL: |
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| Further Information: |
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| Organisation Website: |
http://www.shu.ac.uk |