Bioinspiration—the solution for biofouling control?

Most surfaces in the marine environment, both biotic and abiotic, are subject to biofouling. This has significant consequences for the safe and efficient conduct of marine activities. There is a pressing need to develop environmentally and economically acceptable methods to control the problem. In nature most plants and animals have evolved techniques that prevent or limit the process of fouling. These include chemical, physical, mechanical and behavioral responses. This paper reviews the knowledge with respect to natural antifouling methods, discusses similarities between natural mechanisms and existing antifouling technology and identifies potential future bioinspired approaches for the prevention of hull fouling specifically as they apply to US Navy requirements.