Settlement Selectivity of Sessile Organisms on Substrates with Different Surface Properties

Abstract

Sessile organisms cause significant economic losses on submerged artificial surfaces such as ships. The use of tributyltin (TBT)-based antifouling paint for underwater ship hulls was banned due to its high toxicity to marine organisms. Therefore, it is necessary to develop low environmental impact antifouling technologies. Previously, antifouling studies focusing on the physiological and ecological understanding of fouling organisms has been conducted. And antifouling materials inspired by surface properties of marine organisms were developed in recent years. This review introduces the settlement selectivity and behavior of barnacle cypris larvae on the surfaces with different surface properties, such as micro-structures and functional groups.