Antifouling activity of microorganisms associated with the marine organisms

Biofouling is an ongoing problem in the marine industries that requires significant financial resources for control and new cleaning procedures. There is a feasible and immediate need to produce ecologically compatible low-toxic and harmless antifouling compounds for the maritime companies and underwater equipment; since the usage of Tributyltin (TBT) based marine coatings was banned globally in 2008. In recent years; the marine natural products have emerged as one of the most potential forms of antifouling agents. Although the natural antifoulants made from marine species; especially sponges and corals, have gained importance because of their performance in field tests; however, the gathering of larger quantities of marine animals is not a feasible choice. Several recent researches revealed that the marine microorganisms associated with sponges; corals, ascidians, seaweeds, and sea grasses, serve as the primary sources of antifouling substances and exhibit antimicrobial; antibacterial, and antifouling activity. During the screening of antifouling compounds; these marine microorganisms displayed antifouling ability against the macro and micro-foulers. This review aimed to focus on the improvements in the antifouling abilities of the natural products derived from marine organism-associated microorganisms.