# Functionalization of Stainless Steel with Hyperbranched Poly(viologen) Brushes for Enhanced Antimicrobial, Antifouling and Anticorrosion

## TL;DR

This paper introduces a new method to coat stainless steel with a special polymer to prevent microbial growth, fouling, and corrosion, making it suitable for use in water environments.

## Contribution

The novelty lies in using hyperbranched poly(viologen) brushes to enhance stainless steel's resistance to biofouling, biocorrosion, and microbial adhesion.

## Key findings

- Functionalized stainless steel showed improved antimicrobial properties against Pseudomonas sp. and barnacle cyprids.
- The modified surface effectively inhibited biofouling and biocorrosion in aquatic conditions.
- The antifouling performance was confirmed using Amphora coffeaeformis attachment assays.

## Abstract

To enhance the resistance of stainless steel (SS) against biofouling and biocorrosion, hyperbranched poly(viologen) brushes were covalently immobilized onto SS substrates. This study systematically evaluated the efficacy of the functionalized SS substrates in inhibiting microorganism adhesion, biofouling and biocorrosion. Enhanced antifouling and antimicrobial properties were evidenced through assays involving the attachment of Amphora coffeaeformis, the settlement of Pseudomonas sp. bacteria and barnacle cyprids. Furthermore, the functionalized SS substrates demonstrated superior antifouling performance alongside excellent biocorrosion–inhibition properties. These findings suggest that the functionalized SS substrates, with their robust antimicrobial, antifouling and anticorrosion capabilities, hold significant potential for applications in aquatic environments