Evaluation of the Anti-fouling Efficacy of Bacillus licheniformis Extracts Under Environmental and Natural Conditions

• DOI: 10.3389/fmars.2021.711108
• Publication Date: 2021-08-13T17:19:46Z
• Authors: Andrea Muras; Severine Larroze; Celia Mayer; Tânia Teixeira; Reut Wengier; Yehuda Benayahu; Ana Otero
• Keywords: Bacillus licheniformis; Biocide; Artemia salina

There is an increasing interest in developing innovative coatings and testing natural products with anti-fouling activity to substitute current highly toxic biocides that have a harmful impact on marine organisms. Bacillus licheniformis species shown different anti-biofilm activities vitro , but so far, its efficacy field trials has not been tested. For this purpose, the capacity of extracts B. NCTC 10341 T prevent micro macro-fouling was first tested . The methanol cell extract (MCE) inhibited bacterial biofilm formation without significantly affecting planktonic growth displayed significant larval settlement macro-fouler Bugula neritina inducing lethality. Additionally, MCE presented low toxicity against non-target Artemia salina then incorporated self-polishing paint at 2 5% w/w static immersion experiment Gulf Aqaba (northern Red Sea) for 180 days. Fouling coverage decreased by 30% MCE-treated panels comparison control panels. Differences depending culture medium highlight importance strict conditions production biomass stable bioactive activity. results indicate potential crude environmentally friendly applications, although deeper characterization compounds present mode action required allow achieve large-scale industrial production.