Re-chargeable Coatings: Innovative Approach to Functionalization-on-Demand

Functionality is the most recent advancement in coatings technology that adds significantly to the traditional role of a coatings system. Natural biomaterials, such as proteins and peptides, provide an enormous resource of functional additives that are non-persistent in the environment, non-toxic and renewable.  Biomolecules, such as peptides, antibodies and receptors, have provided many distinct non-catalytic activities in natural environments.  By focusing on the unique and specific binding properties of these non-catalytic molecules, biobased additives are being created which will provide a new and innovative function to coatings systems: “recharge-ability”.  Being able to change or renew a biocide or other functionality, without recoating adds a new dimension to the coated surface.  The current state of research in the development of biomaterials for functional coatings, including antifouling and antimicrobial surfaces, with specific examples of recharging will be presented.

Innovation in Materials Science: From Nonselective Absorption & Release to Artificial Receptors

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