Bio-responsive Antifouling Coatings Navy SBIR FY2011.2 Sol No.: Navy SBIR FY2011.2 Topic No.: N112-166 Topic Title: Bio-responsive Antifouling Coatings Proposal No.: N112-166-0598 Firm: Luna Innovations Incorporated 1 Riverside Circle Suite 400 Roanoke, Virginia 24016 Contact: Bryan Koene Phone: (540) 558-1699 Web Site: www.lunainnovations.com Abstract: Marine biofouling is a significant problem on ship hulls resulting in increased fuel consumption, decreased speed/efficiency and also a vector for the transport of non-indigenous species. Whereas many antifouling coatings have been developed to remedy this situation, most of these coatings prevent fouling through the slow and controlled release of toxins such as metals (tin, copper or zinc) or organic biocides. Continual leaching of toxic metals or organic biocides from ship hulls raises concerns about the environmental impact of this approach. There is a clear need to develop a new class of marine coatings that will prevent fouling by a more environmentally responsible mechanism that is also low-maintenance and long-lasting. In this proposed program, Luna Innovations will develop a novel coating system that will remedy biofouling through two different mechanisms, repelling interactions with biofouling organisms and more specifically by attacking the organism's bioadhesives to prevent attachment and proliferation to marine surfacess. This antifouling coating technology will combine a naturally bioresistant polymeric surface with stabilized molecular moieties that have demonstrated the ability to degrade bioadhesives. This technology will result in a huge cost savings by producing a low-maintenance long service life hull coating that improves fuel efficiency. Benefits: This program will result in the development of a low-cost bioresistant and antifouling coating. While focused on US Navy ships, this coating will be directly applicable for use on any military, commercial, or personal marine vessels. With use of natural environmentally friendly materials, these coatings will be able to avoid the use of toxic biocides that have growing environmental concerns in current antifouling marine paints. With the increasing cost of fossil fuels, the removal of biofouling from ship hulls will have a significant impact on fuel usage for commercial and military vessels. Return