Characterization of different surface materials and their antifouling activity

The long-term performance of five surface materials - glass, perspex, polystyrene, epoxy-coated glass, and a silicone hydrogel coating - in inhibiting biofilm formation by cyanobacteria was evaluated concerning biofilm cell number, wet weight, chlorophyll a content, and biofilm thickness. In order to obtain more insight into the effect of surface properties on biofilm formation, they were characterized concerning their hydrophobicity and roughness.