Inhibition and Induction of Marine Biofouling by Biofilms

Abstract

Microbial biofilms, predominantly composed of bacteria and diatoms, affect the settlement of invertebrate larvae and algal spores by production of bioac- tive compounds that can inhibit or induce settlement of biofoulers. In this review I summarize the studies on the inductive and inhibitive properties of biofilms. Particular attention has been given to antifouling and inductive compounds from marine microorganisms and quorum sensing signaling in prokaryotes and eukaryotes. Additionally, future research directions in the field of marine microbial biofouling are highlighted