Methods and compositions for controlling biofouling using polyglycol fatty acid esters

摘要

The present invention relates to a method to inhibit bacteria from adhering to a submergible surface. The method contacts the submergible surface with an effective amount of at least one polyglycol fatty acid ester to inhibit bacterial adhesion to the submergible surface. The present invention also relates to a method for controlling biofouling of an aqueous system. This method adds an effective amount of at least one polyglycol fatty acid ester to inhibit bacteria from adhering to a submerged surface within the aqueous system. This method effectively controls biofouling without substantially killing the fouling organisms. The present invention also relates to a composition containing polyglycol fatty acid esters and useable in the above methods. The compositions comprise at least one polyglycol fatty acid ester in an amount effective to inhibit bacteria from adhering to submergible or submerged surfaces.