About this Research Topic
The objective of this Research Topic is to publish the most recent research in this field, to bridge microbiology, marine biology, and biotechnology, and to shed light on the most recent advances in marine biofouling, either to favor the diffusion of the most recent knowledge or the promotion of innovative antifouling solutions. This collection will include research on biofilm diversity, genomics, and formation mechanisms. Another covered aspect will be the impact and consequences of marine biofilms growth on artificial surfaces: contribution to corrosion, transport of invasive species, diffusion of human pathogens, including those developing in biofilms formed on marine plastic debris. The quest for novel and environmentally friendly methods to prevent biofouling formation is long-running. Even though novel antifouling products have been discovered, their long-term effect on the establishment of fouling communities in the marine environment has been poorly described. Finally, innovative and multidisciplinary antifouling approaches have been established in recent years. Thus, we intend to highlight articles that focus on developing or testing novel non-toxic antifoulants and/ or novel strategies that prevent biofilm formation and tackle their long-term impact on marine fouling communities.
This Research Topic aims to cover all themes important for the characterization of the diversity and impact of marine biofilms and biofouling communities and the discovery of novel antifoulants and their impact on fouling communities’ development. Appropriate themes include, but are not limited to:
-Adhesion and molecular mechanisms leading to marine biofilm establishment
- Identification of novel antifouling bioactive compounds/extracts and coatings
- Development of novel antifouling/antibiofilm strategies
- Microbial composition and activity of microbial species on marine biofilms
- Characterization of the diversity and functional profile of biofouling, including on plastic and microplastic debris
- Biocorrosion of submarine structures
- Biological invasions via ship hull fouling
- Environmental impact assessment of marine biofilms and biofouling
- Marine fouling and climate change
Keywords: Marine biofilms, Marine fouling, Antifouling, Antibiofilm, Bioinvasions, Microbiologically induced corrosion
Important Note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.