title: Antifouling enzymes and the biochemistry of marine settlement.
abstract: Antifouling coatings are used extensively on marine vessels and constructions, but unfortunately they are found to pose a threat to the marine environment, notably due to content of metal-based biocides. Enzymes have repeatedly been proposed as an alternative to traditional antifouling compounds. In this review, the enzymes claimed to hold antifouling activity are classified according to catalytic functions. The enzyme functions are juxtaposed with the current knowledge about the chemistry of settlement and adhesion of fouling organisms. Specific focus will be on bacteria, microalgae, invertebrate larvae and macroalgae zoospores. Two main concepts in enzyme-based antifouling are identified: breakdown of adhesive components and catalytic production of repellent compounds in-situ. The validity of the various modes of action is evaluated and the groups of enzymes with the highest potential are highlighted.
authors.affiliation: Interdisciplinary Nanoscience Center (iNANO), University of Aarhus, Aarhus C, Denmark.
authors.forename: Jakob Broberg
authors.initials: JB
authors.lastname: Kristensen
authors.forename: Rikke Louise
authors.initials: RL
authors.lastname: Meyer
authors.forename: Brian Søgaard
authors.initials: BS
authors.lastname: Laursen
authors.forename: Stepan
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Shipovskov
authors.forename: Flemming
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Besenbacher
authors.forename: Charlotte Horsmans
authors.initials: CH
authors.lastname: Poulsen
mesh_terms: D001422:Bacterial Adhesion / Q000187:drug effects*; D001671:Biochemistry / Q000639:trends; D018441:Biofilms / Q000187:drug effects*; D004798:Enzymes / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000494:pharmacology*; D004866:Equipment Contamination / Q000517:prevention & control*; D008386:Marine Biology / Q000379:methods* / Q000639:trends*
chemical_list: D004798:Enzymes