04/06/2026
🌟Research Highlight – Edinburgh Instruments🌟
Fluorescence, Phosphorescence & Afterglow: Fighting Biofouling
Marine fouling can increase fuel use and maintenance costs—so what if antifouling materials could “stay active” in the dark? This research highlight uses photoluminescent coumarin-based compounds to combat biofouling. Excitation, fluorescence and phosphorescence (plus afterglow/kinetic decay) were characterised with an Edinburgh Instruments FS5 Spectrofluorometer. The study compared grafted vs non-grafted coumarin materials and found grafting produced a prolonged afterglow—helping the material be re-excited at night. Tested in marine conditions for 180 days, it showed reduced coverage from dead bacteria and algae.
Explore the full research highlight:
https://www.edinst.com/resource/marine-pollution-prevention-using-photoluminescent-antifouling-agents/