A Strategy To Pursue in Selecting a Natural Antifoulant: A Perspective

Abstract

With the ban of tributyl tin and its analogs and the fact that copper and its derivatives are under legislative pressure, we must consider alternatives for the control of biofouling. So-called fouling-release coatings are one potential solution, but they do not control microfouling well. Compounds derived from macrobiota that appear to be fouling-free appear to be suitable molecules for investigation as components of antifouling coatings. If a molecule is to be active against a variety of organisms, it is important that it inhibit some universal metabolic process. Ideally, such a molecule would interfere with the surface sensing process itself and the events that result from the reception of that signal. Cell signaling in all eukaryotes is mediated by changes in the internal Ca 2 + concentration. Therefore, a molecule that interferes with Ca-mediated events would be an ideal candidate to inhibit cellular adhesion and thus fouling. Using an image analysis-directed assay with diatoms and Ca-fluorophores to detect Ca fluxes, we report how 2-n-pentyl-4-quinolinol, D-600,and trans, trans -2,4-decadienal influence diatom adhesion and motility. All three molecules show activity as antifoulants.