Natural compounds as potential algaecides for waterborne paints

To eliminate and prevent the formation of phototrophic biofilms on painted walls, chemicals are added to paints. These chemicals, in general, also have toxic effects on the environment. Plants synthesize secondary metabolites which have antimicrobial properties and that may be a sustainable alternat...

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Bibliographic Details
Authors: Gómez de Saravia, Sandra Gabriela, Rastelli, Silvia E., Blustein, Guillermo, Viera, Marisa
Format: article
Status:Versión aceptada para publicación
Publication Date:2018
Country:Argentina
Institution:Comisión de Investigaciones Científicas de la Provincia de Buenos Aires
Repository:CIC Digital (CICBA)
Language:English
OAI Identifier:oai:digital.cic.gba.gob.ar:11746/10571
Online Access:https://digital.cic.gba.gob.ar/handle/11746/10571
Access Level:Open access
Keyword:Ciencias Químicas
Natural organic compounds
Biocide
Algaecide
Waterborne paint
Phototrophic biofilm
Description
Summary:To eliminate and prevent the formation of phototrophic biofilms on painted walls, chemicals are added to paints. These chemicals, in general, also have toxic effects on the environment. Plants synthesize secondary metabolites which have antimicrobial properties and that may be a sustainable alternative to traditional biocides. In this work, algal species isolated from biofilms formed on deteriorated painted surfaces were taxonomically identified. Observations with the optical microscope revealed the presence of mixed biofilms composed of algae belonging to the Cyanophyta, Chlorophyta, and Streptophyta divisions. The algaecide effect of natural compounds of vegetal origin such as anisole, eugenol, guaiacol, and thymol was evaluated by the microatmosphere technique. Growth inhibition of phototrophic organisms was obtained with thymol in all the concentrations used. Eugenol and guaiacol showed a total growth inhibition at the highest concentration assayed (300 lmol cm 2) and a decrease in growth at 40 lmol cm 2, while anisole did not exert any inhibitory action at the assayed concentrations. Due to these results, eugenol, thymol, and guaiacol were incorporated in an exterior waterborne paint at a concentration of 2%. Samples painted with these formulations were not colonized by algae, indicating that these compounds could be used as biocides in paint formulations.