Project description
The necessity for heightened biosecurity measures has gained considerable prominence due to the intricate interplay between biofilms, associated risks, and the fragile balance of ecosystems. Biofilms, which are complex communities of microorganisms encased in a self-produced matrix, can exert profound impacts on various industrial and natural systems. They play a significant role in biofouling, a process in which these biofilms accumulate on submerged surfaces, leading to the colonisation of diverse marine organisms and subsequent negative effects on the performance of these surfaces. Antifouling coatings have been shown to reduce biofouling. The primary objective of this project is to identify the composition of marine organism communities that adhere to antifouling treatments. Additionally, the project aims to assess how water quality factors contribute to the performance of these coatings. This project looks to develop wet laboratory skills in molecular microbiology as well as water quality techniques. This project is proposed as part of ARC Industrial Transformation Training Centre for Biofilm Research and Innovation.
Co-supervisors
Professor Sophie Leterme
Further information
For more information, contact Tamar Jamieson (tamar.jamieson@flinders.edu.au)
Industry involvement
Defence Science & Technology Group
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