Antimikrobial / Anti-fouling

An antimicrobial is a substance that kills or inhibits the growth of microorganisms such as bacteria or fungi, as well as destroying viruses. There are engineered surface structures that causes the antimicrobial effect (e.g. Silver) or by means of the photo catalytic self-cleaning effect of titanium dioxide.

Biofouling is the undesirable accumulation of microorganisms, plants, algae, or animals on wetted structures. Biofouling is especially economically significant on ships' hulls where high levels of fouling can reduce the performance of the vessel and increase its fuel requirements. Biofouling is also found in almost all circumstances where water based liquids are in contact with other materials. Industrially important examples include membrane systems, such as membrane bioreactors and cooling water cycles of large industrial equipments and power stations.
Anti-fouling is the process of removing the accumulation, or preventing its accumulation.