Efficient capture and release of carboxylated benzisothiazolinone from UiO-66-NH2 for antibacterial and antifouling applications

Marine biofouling is a generic term for animas plants and micro-organisms that grow on the surface of all installations on the hull and in the sea. Currently, the incorporation of antifouling agents into organic coatings is the most economical and effective means to combat marine biofouling. UiO-66-NH2 based metal–organic frameworks are a new type of nanocontainers for encapsulation and release of molecules due to their porous structure, large specific surface area, high crystallinity, and tunable chemical functionality. In this study, carboxylated benzisothiazolinones (BIT-COOH) encapsulated metal–organic frame-work (UiO-66-NH2) was prepared as release vehicle for stable release of antifoulants. The antibacterial activities of the prepared BIT-COOH, UIO-66-NH2 without and with BIT-COOH, against Gram-negative (E. coli) and Gram-positive (S. aureus) bacteria were determined by the zone of inhibition test (ZOI), minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and plate colony count. The results show that UiO-66-NH2-loaded BIT-COOH (UiO-66-NH2@BIT-COOH) containing 0.1 mg/mL has a bactericidal effect close to 100 % after 6 h. The antifouling coating prepared with UiO-66-NH2@BIT-COOH mixed with acrylic resin had excellent anti-bacterial, bacterial seaweed adhesion at lower levels (4 wt%). The study is a guide to the development of novel long-lasting antifouling coatings.