Strategies for Biofouling Control: A Review from an Environmental Perspective of Innovation and Trends

Biofouling is the colonization and attachment of sessile organisms on submerged surfaces, whether natural or artificial. The presence of these communities compromises the structural integrity, operational efficiency, and durability of coastal structures, resulting in high economic and environmental costs, especially when conventional removal methods involve the use of toxic biocides. In this context, this article aimed to evaluate the scientific productivity of the literature related to sustainable antifouling strategies, with an emphasis on technologically and environmentally sustainable solutions, through a bibliometric analysis. We analyzed 160 research articles and 90 patents published between 2004 and 2024. It was observed that, since 2019, there has been an increase in publications about biofouling solutions, with a notable emphasis on China’s leadership in both scientific production and patent filings. This topic has also attracted extensive international collaboration. The most promising strategies for controlling marine biofouling involve a combination of physical, chemical, and biological methods, integrated with sustainable coatings. The growing demand for low-environmental-impact solutions has driven the development of safer, more effective, and economically viable antifouling technologies. Therefore, the integration of traditional techniques with advances in biotechnology represents a strategic path to mitigating the impacts of biofouling in marine environments.