Innovative UV-emitting Glass Reduces Marine Biofilm by 98%

Engineers at University of Massachusetts Amherst develop a UV-emitting glass that significantly lowers biofilm growth on underwater surfaces, offering a potential solution to a costly marine problem.

• A team of researchers led by University of Massachusetts Amherst has created a glass that emits UV rays, effectively reducing biofilm growth by 98% in underwater environments.
• The biofilm-resistant glass uses silica nanoparticles to scatter UV light evenly across surfaces, preventing biofilm formation without harmful chemicals.
• The development could save the U.S. Navy, among others, millions annually by reducing ship drag and corrosion caused by biofilms.
• The technology has been tested in the waters of Port Canaveral, Florida, showing promising results for long-term underwater applications.
• With a provisional patent, the researchers are exploring further applications, including preventing biofilm on underwater camera lenses.

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