Functionalization of Stainless Steel with Hyperbranched Poly(viologen) Brushes for Enhanced Antimicrobial, Antifouling and Anticorrosion

To enhance the resistance of stainless steel (SS) against biofouling and biocorrosion, hyperbranched poly(viologen) brushes were covalently immobilized onto SS substrates. This study systematically evaluated the efficacy of the functionalized SS substrates in inhibiting microorganism adhesion, biofouling and biocorrosion. Enhanced antifouling and antimicrobial properties were evidenced through assays involving the attachment of <i>Amphora coffeaeformis</i>, the settlement of <i>Pseudomonas</i> sp. bacteria and barnacle cyprids. Furthermore, the functionalized SS substrates demonstrated superior antifouling performance alongside excellent biocorrosion-inhibition properties. These findings suggest that the functionalized SS substrates, with their robust antimicrobial, antifouling and anticorrosion capabilities, hold significant potential for applications in aquatic environments.