Adaptive Coatings with Anticorrosion and Antibiofouling Properties

Biofouling on surfaces immersed in aquatic environment induces catastrophic corrosion of metallic materials in petrochemical infrastructures, maritime facilities, and power plants. To combat the synergistic effect of biofouling and corrosion on the deterioration of metallic materials, smart coatings possessing a dual function of antibiofouling and anticorrosion properties are needed. Herein, redox-responsive copolymer conjugates are synthesized and employed as coatings with the dual function of biofouling and corrosion mitigation. The dual function of copolymers is attributed to fluorinated units and the corrosion inhibitor 2-mercaptobenzothiazole (MBT) conjugated via disulfide linkages. Indeed, the disulfide linkages can be cleaved in a reducing environment, yielding controlled release of the corrosion inhibitor MBT during corrosion process. The antibiofouling action against protein adsorption and algal attachment is enabled by cooperation of the repellent characteristic of fluorinated moieties and the biocidal effect of conjugated MBT.     

Comparative evaluation of physicochemical properties of Lingzhi (Ganoderma lucidum) as affected by drying conditions and extraction methods

Lingzhi (Ganoderma lucidum) is a high-potential mushroom which is used as a dietary supplement or a source of nutrients and antioxidant agents. The aims were to investigate the effect of drying conditions (hot air and vacuum dry) and to compare the extraction methods of microwave-assisted extraction (MAE) and pulsed electric field extraction (PEF) for obtaining triterpenes, flavonoid and polysaccharides. The favourable drying condition was 80 °C for 1 h and 37 min, which achieved 1.17 ± 0.05 mg quercetin/g of flavonoids and 11.49 ± 0.87 mg ursolic acid/g of triterpenes. The MAE condition was 800 W, 1 min 30 s extraction time and 65.35% ethanol, achieving polysaccharides of 13.08 mg glucose/g and triterpenes of 9.15 mg ursolic acid/g. Additionally, MAE was significantly more efficient than reflux and PEF methods. The application of microwave radiation is beneficial in saving time and solvent and also provides high extraction efficiency for dried Lingzhi.