1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to substrates having a biofilm-inhibiting coating, to processes for producing them and to their use.
2. Discussion of Background Information
Articles are exposed to the microorganisms which are almost always present in the environment, such as bacteria, fungi, yeasts, algae and lichens. The infestation or overgrowth of articles with these microorganisms causes enormous economic damage, as a result, for example, of secretion of enzymes or mechanical stress, a biofilm of this kind has material-destroying properties. Additionally there is a risk of contamination of other articles or media which come into contact with an article bearing a biofilm or which even are only located in the vicinity of such an article. Consequently all applications which require high cleanliness are particularly sensitive to such biofilms. The health risk due to pathogens in the biofilm necessitates particular precautionary rules.
In view of the economic significance there are numerous measures for as far as possible avoiding the formation of such biofilms on articles and on substrates in general. This purpose is served in particular using microbicidal substances, with which the substrates are sprayed from time to time or which are used in coatings on the substrate.