Exploring fishery waste potential as antifouling component

Area of Science:

• Marine Biology
• Biotechnology
• Environmental Science

Background:

• Marine biofouling poses significant economic and ecological challenges globally.
• Conventional antifouling paints often rely on toxic biocides, necessitating sustainable alternatives.
• Enzymatic extracts from natural sources are emerging as eco-friendly antifouling solutions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the antifouling potential of enzymatic extracts derived from fishery residues.
• To assess the proteolytic activity and thermal stability of these natural compounds.
• To investigate their efficacy in preventing marine organism settlement.

Main Methods:

• Enzymatic extracts were prepared from Pleoticus muelleri shrimp, Illex argentinus squid, and Lithodes santolla king crab.
• Proteolytic activity and thermal stability at oceanic temperatures were determined.
• Bioassays were conducted to evaluate inhibition of mussel byssus thread formation and barnacle cyprid adhesion.

Main Results:

• All tested extracts exhibited proteolytic activity and 24-hour stability at temperate oceanic temperatures, with the exception of I. argentinus.
• P. muelleri extracts significantly reduced barnacle cyprid footprint formation and mussel byssus thread generation.
• L. santolla extract showed potential but requires further purification for definitive antifouling assessment.

Conclusions:

• Fishery waste-derived enzyme extracts represent a novel and sustainable source for antifouling agents.
• P. muelleri extracts demonstrate significant potential for developing eco-friendly antifouling strategies.
• Further research and purification are needed to optimize L. santolla extracts for antifouling applications.