Recent advances in fouling-resistant silicone-based marine antifouling coatings: Mechanisms, fabrication and performances

Marine biofouling presents formidable economic and ecological challenges worldwide. While silicone-based fouling-release coatings, particularly those utilizing polydimethylsiloxane, have gained prominence due to their eco-friendly nature and low surface energy, their efficacy in static or low-flow marine environments remains limited. This review presents a timely and critical analysis of recent groundbreaking advances in fouling-resistant silicone-based coatings, which transcend traditional fouling-release mechanisms by integrating proactive anti-adhesion and contact-killing capabilities. We systematically explore innovative material design strategies and advanced fabrication techniques that significantly enhance static antifouling performance. The review is structured around five key innovation pathways: (i) Amphiphilic/zwitterionic systems that achieve unprecedented hydration and surface heterogeneity; (ii) Chemically grafted non-leaching antifoulants that provide durable antimicrobial action without environmental release; (iii) Multi-functional biomimetic surfaces inspired by shark skin, pitcher plants, and corals, which combine micro/nanostructures with lubricant-infusion or fluorescence effects; (iv) Silicone hydrogel/xerogel coatings leveraging dynamic hydration layers and organic-inorganic hybrid networks; and (v) Nanocomposite coatings enhanced with metallic, carbon-based, or natural antibacterial nanofillers. The analysis reveals that these advanced coatings exhibit superior resistance to protein adsorption, bacterial adhesion, and algal fouling. More importantly, this work uniquely consolidates and contrasts these diverse strategies, highlighting their synergistic mechanisms and performance benchmarks. Despite these advances, challenges such as mechanical durability, long-term stability, and environmental compatibility persist. This review not only provides a comprehensive theoretical foundation but also delivers practical insights for developing next-generation intelligent antifouling systems that integrate multiple environmentally friendly mechanisms, offering a comprehensive roadmap for future research and development in sustainable marine antifouling technologies.