METHODS AND COMPOSITIONS FOR CONTROLLING BIOFOULING USING SULFAMIC ACIDS

摘要

The 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 sulfamic acid or salt thereof to inhibit bacterial adhesion to the submergible surface. The invention also relates to a method for controlling biofouling of an aqueous system. This method adds an effective amount of at least one sulfamic acid or salt thereof 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 sulfamic acid used in the method of the invention has the formula R1R2NS(O)2(OH). In this formula, R1 and R2 are independently a hydrogen, a C4-C20 alkyl group or a cyclohexyl group. However, R1 and R2 are not both hydrogen. Alternatively, R1 and R2, together with the N, may also form a 5-8 membered heterocyclic ring having formula (I). In the heterocyclic ring, X is O, NH, or CH2. The salt of sulfamic acid can be an acid salt or quaternized sulfamic acid salt. The present invention also relates to a composition containing sulfamic acids or salts thereof useable in the above methods. The compositions comprise at least one sulfamic acid or salt thereof in an amount effective to inhibit bacteria from adhering to submergible or submerged surfaces.