Inhibition of Microbial Biofilm by the Crude Extracts of Marine Sponge, Stylissa masa

Though a number of studies in relation to fouling and antifouling have been carried out throughout the world, few studies on antifouling compounds from marine natural sources have been carried out to address fouling in Andaman and Nicobar Islands (Patro et al., 2009). There is a real need for the continuous development of new non-toxic antifouling formulations. An ideal antifouling formulation would have the following properties: permit at least five years of biofouling life cycle control, durable and resistant to damage, repairable, low maintenance, easy to apply, hydraulically smooth, compatible with existing anticorrosion coating, cost-effective, non-toxic to non-target species, and, effective at port and sea. An interesting and promising line of research is inspired by biomimetic solutions. Recently, particular attention has been paid to the physical defences of marine organisms, especially the surface topography of molluscan shells, crustose coralline algae, marine mammals and shark skin. All marine sessile organisms use adhesive materials (with temporary or permanent capabilities) to attach to surfaces. Controlling an organism's settlement could be achieved by physically preventing adhesion. The best anti-adhesive properties have been observed with the use of silicones as polymers, which on top have the advantage of being very durable. These compounds could be used as active ingredients in antifouling formulations. However, keeping the promising bio-sources of Andaman Sea with probable antifouling property, the present study was focused on investigating anti-biofilm effect of sponge crude extracts on the micro and macro fouling organisms along the coast of Port Blair, South Andaman.