Study on synergistic antifouling of super slippery drug-loaded modified film based on electrospinning-electrospray in situ process

Marine biofouling is a significant threat to the economic efficiency and sustainable development of global marine industries. Conventional antifouling coatings, which rely on a single antifouling mechanism, struggle to adapt to complex marine environments. The challenge of seamlessly integrating multi-level antifouling strategies into coatings through a facile approach remains unresolved. This study innovatively developed a super slippery drug-loaded nanofiber composite coating with dynamic interfacial regulation capabilities through an integrated electrospinning-electrospray in situ process. A biodegradable polymer, poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL), served as the electrospinning base material, into which the eco-friendly antifoulant DCOIT (4,5-dichloro-2-n-octyl-4-isothiazolin-3-one) was incorporated during fiber formation, constructing a porous drug-loaded nanofiber matrix. Concurrently, in situ electrospray was employed to dynamically deposit silica (SiO₂) nanoparticles onto the nanofiber surfaces, forming a modified porous matrix. Subsequent infusion of lubricant oil produced a super slippery drug-loaded modified film (SSLID). The modified film demonstrated excellent hydrophobicity and antifouling performance, achieving synergistic multi-level antifouling effects. This fabrication strategy provides an efficient and adaptable approach for developing functional composite coating films, offering broad application prospects in marine antifouling technologies.