Deliverables Hybrid Organic/Inorganic Coatings (on Optical Glass Substrates) Summary: For long term applications of optical underwater instruments in the marine environment, reduction of biofouling of optical glasses if of major importance. In the framework of the BROS project, coatings on optical glass substrates with marine antifouling properties have been developed, by the introduction of surface active functional groups in transparent organic-inorganic hybrid matrixes. Such coatings have been synthesized by hydrolysis and condensation of compositions containing functionally substituted (organo) silicon alkoxides. KEYWORDS: hybrid coatings, antifouling, optical instruments. Copper/Arsenic Biofouling resistant optical glass Summary: For long term applications of optical underwater instruments in the marine environment, reduction of biofouling on optical glasses is of major importance. In the framework of the BROS project a series of glasses, modified with copper, copper oxide and combinations of copper oxide and arsenic oxide have been produced. Copper/arsenic containing glass was found to be effective against fouling by micro-organisms. Fouling was much less intense than on reference glass. Furthermore, the fouling on the copper/arsenic containing glass was only loosely attached to the glass whereas on the reference glass the fouling was attached more tightly. Keywords: copper, arsenic, oxides, glass. Prevention of biofilm development by local low level chlorine generation directly at an optical glass This outcome from the BROS project involves a conductive coating of suitable optical properties for use with optical oceanographic instruments and underwater cameras. Such devices are increasingly being used to monitor seawater quality with respect to pollution and to study oceanic processes links to climate change. This coating has been shown in trials to be effective for several months in environments when the standard uncoated instruments would produce erroneous data within a few days due to bio-fouling of the optical surfaces. Hydrogel-based Optical Coatings Summary: This outcome from the BROS project involves a compliant hydrophilic coating of suitable properties for use with optical oceanographic instruments and underwater cameras. Such devices are increasingly being used to monitor seawater quality with respect to pollution and to study oceanic processes linked to climate change. These coatings have been shown in trials to be effective for several months in environments when the standard uncoated instruments would produce erroneous data within a few days due to biofouling of the optical surfaces. Use of Ultraviolet Light to Reduce Biofouling on Optical Underwater Instruments. Summary: The use of low power ultraviolet light as an antifouling strategy targeting microbial biofilms was developed within the BROS project. The technology involves using ultraviolet lights to irradiate the (optical) surface with low power germicidal ultraviolet radiation. This strategy is suitable for in situ use with a broad range of underwater optical instruments and cameras operating submerged in the marine environment. Increasingly optical technologies are employed by oceanographers and the offshore industries to monitor environmental parameters and capture images of the aquatic environment. Trials in the laboratory and at a coastal site have shown the technique to be effective at protecting optical surfaces and reducing biofilm formation that would otherwise cause errors in the data being collected by optical instruments. This technology has broader applications, for example in the biotechnology industry where the strategy would be suitable for protecting in-line optical monitoring equipment used in turbidostat type fermentors. D.C. Potential Methods of Biofouling Reduction Summary: This outcome from the BROS project involves a direct current (D.C.) potential applied to a transparent conducting coating on the surface of an optical glass window, for use with optical oceanographic instruments and underwater cameras. Such devices are increasingly being used to monitor seawater quality with respect to pollution and to study oceanic processes linked to climate change. This technology has been shown in trials to be effective in reducing the rate of colonization of such optical surfaces by bacteria. Hence it is useful in increasing the effective life of optical underwater instruments and in improving the quality of data obtained from such devices. Searching for OpenAIRE data... There was an error trying to search data from OpenAIRE No results available
