Use of Weed Extracts as Antifouling Additives for Marine Paints: Two Case Studies

PÉREZ, MIRIAM; FERNÁNDEZ, LUCÍA R.; ZAMBRANO, E. ELISABET; GARCÍA, MÓNICA; URIBURU, MARÍA L.; SÁNCHEZ, MARIANELA; BLUSTEIN, GUILLERMO; PALERMO, JORGE A.

REVISTA BRASILEIRA DE FARMACOGNOSIA

Springer

Año: 2021

0102-695X

AbstractThe present work explores the use of weed extracts and purified compounds as environmentally friendly antifouling additiveswith a possible application in marine paints. Two species were selected as case studies: Verbena bonariensis L., Verbenaceae,and Tillandsia tenuifolia L., Bromeliaceae. The extracts of both species showed promising antifouling activityin laboratory experiments (byssal thread formation of the mussel Mytilus edulis) and also in field assays by incorporationto soluble-matrix paints, which were used to coat acrylic tiles that were submerged in the sea for a period of 45 days. In thecase of the Verbena extract, it was not possible to identify a major bioactive component, and aralidioside, the main iridoid,did not show antifouling activity. However, in the case of the Tillandsia extract, the main component, which was isolated andidentified as cycloartenone, displayed potent antifouling activity in laboratory and field assays. Since both species have highgrowth rates, these results may help overcome the sustainability issues of the use of natural products as antifoulants. At thesame time, the technological use of these untapped biological resources may offer a new possibility for weed management.