METHODS AND COMPOSITIONS FOR CONTROLLING BIOFOULING USING N-ALKYL HETEROCYCLIC COMPOUNDS

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 N-alkyl heterocyclic compound 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 N-alkyl heterocyclic compound 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 N-alkyl heterocyclic compound used in the method of the invention has formula (I). The substituent R1 is C8-C20 alkyl group. The heterocyclic ring is a 5-8 membered heterocyclic ring where X is O, NH, or CH2. R2 is methyl, hydroxymethyl, or hydroxyethyl. The integer n ranges from 0 to 3. The present invention also relates to a composition containing Nalkyl heterocyclic compounds and usable in the above methods. The compositions comprise at least one N-alkyl heterocyclic compound in an amount effective to inhibit bacteria from adhering the submergible or submerged surfaces.