Biomimetic Butenolide Antifoulants Enable Effective Control of Marine Biofouling on Aquaculture Netting

Marine biofouling on aquaculture netting compromises mass transfer and structural performance, particularly in high-fouling marine environments. Here, a biomimetic antifoulant based on a butenolide scaffold was synthesized and incorporated into silicone coatings to achieve effective antifouling performance. The antifoulant exhibited bactericidal activity against Escherichia coli, Vibrio harveyi, and Staphylococcus aureus, while coating characterization showed increased hydrophobicity and reduced water uptake with minimal loss of adhesion. Algal attachment assays revealed significant inhibition of Isochrysis zhanjiangensis, with an optimal loading of 8 wt%. Notably, planktonic algal growth remained largely unaffected, indicating a surface-mediated mechanism. Mechanistically, the antifoulant is proposed to interfere with quorum sensing-regulated microbial behavior, thereby suppressing initial colonization and biofilm formation. Field immersion tests over six months confirmed sustained antifouling performance with low fouling coverage and stable coating integrity. These findings demonstrate a promising strategy for environmentally compatible biofouling control in offshore aquaculture.