Anti-fouling bio-hydrogel composition

Abstract

The invention comprises a biological hydrogel that is chemically stabilized with non-covalent or covalent cross-links. The biological hydrogel is used to coat surfaces of materials for submersion in marine water. Molecular dissolution at the marine water-hydrogel surface prevents attachment of fouling organisms. The rate of dissolution can be controlled by both the concentration of the biopolymer in the hydrogel and the nature and concentration of cross-linker used. Additional components, either molecular or particulate, can be added to the biological hydrogel before or after cross-linking for enhanced properties.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . An anti-adhesion agent for marine organisms, comprising:
 a biological polymer wherein the biological polymer comprises between about 10% and 40% (w/v) of the anti-adhesion agent; and   a cross-linking agent selected from the group consisting of formaldehyde, nordihydroguaiaretic acid, tannic acid, chrome sulfate, and sumac extract wherein the cross-linking agent comprises between about 4% and 16% (w/v) of the anti-adhesion agent.   
     
     
         2 . The anti-adhesion agent of  claim 1 , further comprising an enhancing agent. 
     
     
         3 . The anti-adhesion agent of  claim 2 , wherein the enhancing agent is selected from the group consisting of molecular components and particulate components. 
     
     
         4 . The anti-adhesion agent of  claim 2 , wherein the enhancing agent is selected from the group consisting of calcium sulfate (CaS) crystals, nordihydroguaiaretic acid (NDGA), 3-hydroxytyramine (3HT), and 3,4-dihydroxybenzylaldehyde (3,4BA). 
     
     
         5 . The anti-adhesion agent of  claim 2 , wherein the enhancing agent is calcium sulfate (CaS) crystals. 
     
     
         6 . The anti-adhesion agent of  claim 1 , wherein the biological polymer is a hydrogel. 
     
     
         7 . The anti-adhesion agent of  claim 1 , wherein the biological polymer is a protein. 
     
     
         8 . The anti-adhesion agent of  claim 1 , wherein the biological polymer is gelatin. 
     
     
         9 . The anti-adhesion agent of  claim 1 , wherein the crosslinking agent is formaldehyde.