Organisms that colonise underwater surfaces, such as barnacle larvae and spores of algae, use a diverse array of biological 'glues' to provide both temporary and more permanent adhesion. The practical consequence of colonisation by these organisms is biofouling - something that has plagued mariners for years - causing increased drag and, in extreme cases, corrosion. Might there be a biological ...

The genomes of three Pseudoalteromonas strains (P1-8, P1-11, and P1-30) were sequenced and assembled. These genomes will inform future study of the genes responsible for the production of biologically active compounds responsible for these strains' antimicrobial, biofouling, and algicidal activities.

Corrosion associated with microorganisms has been recognized for over 50 years and yet the study of microbiologically influenced corrosion (MIC) is relatively new. MIC can occur in diverse environments and is not limited to aqueous corrosion under submerged conditions, but also takes place in humid atmospheres. Biofouling of industrial water systems is the phenomenon whereby surfaces in contact...

Marine structures such as platforms, jetties and ship hulls are subject to diverse and severe biofouling. Methods for inhibiting both organic and inorganic growth on wetted substrates are varied but most antifouling systems take the form of protective coatings. Biofouling can negatively affect the hydrodynamics of a hull by increasing the required propulsive power and the fuel consumption. This...

Biological wastewater treatment (WWT) frequently relies on biofilms for the removal of anthropogenic contaminants. The use of inert carrier materials to support biofilm development is often required, although under certain operating conditions microorganisms yield structures called granules, dense aggregates of self-immobilized cells with the characteristics of biofilms maintained in suspension...

The deposition of biological material (biofouling) onto polymeric contact lenses is thought to be a major contributor to lens discomfort and hence discontinuation of wear. We describe a method to characterize lipid deposits directly from worn contact lenses utilizing liquid extraction surface analysis coupled to tandem mass spectrometry (LESA-MS/MS). This technique effected facile and reproduci...

Biofouling of membrane surfaces by the attachment of microorganisms is one of the major obstacles for ensuring the effectiveness of membrane separation processes. This work presents the construction of a zwitterionic PVDF membrane surface with improved resistance to biofouling. An amphiphilic copolymer of poly(vinylidene fluoride)-graft-poly(N,N-dimethylamino-2-ethylmethacrylate) (PVDF-g-PDMAEM...