Marine Actinomycetes: The Potential Source of Antimicrobial and Antifouling
A special issue of Microorganisms (ISSN 2076-2607). This special issue belongs to the section "Environmental Microbiology".
Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (30 November 2023) | Viewed by 2567
Special Issue Editors
Interests: Antibiotics PCR DNA Sequencing Antimicrobials Antibiotic Resistance Cloning Bacteriology Gel Electrophoresis Antimicrobial Resistance Genetics
Special Issue Information
Dear Colleagues,
Fouling bacteria are a group of microorganisms that attach to submerged surfaces in aquatic environments and form biofilms, causing a range of problems. Fouling bacteria can attach to the hulls of ships, offshore structures, and underwater equipment, leading to increased drag and reduced efficiency. This results in higher fuel consumption and maintenance costs, as well as reduced speed and maneuverability.
In addition to affecting the efficiency of marine structures, fouling bacteria can also have negative impacts on marine ecosystems. Bacterial biofilms provide a surface for the attachment of other marine organisms, such as algae, barnacles, and mussels. This can lead to the formation of complex biofouling communities that alter marine ecosystems and interfere with the growth and survival of other marine organisms.
Traditional methods of controlling fouling bacteria have relied on the use of antifouling coatings that contain toxic biocides, such as copper and zinc. However, these biocides can have negative environmental impacts, leading to the search for alternative solutions.
In recent years, research has focused on the use of natural antifouling agents derived from marine organisms, such as marine actinomycetes for their ability to produce a diverse range of bioactive compounds. Those found in marine environments are no exception; marine actinomycetes have developed unique biochemical pathways and metabolic processes to adapt and survive due to the harsh conditions of marine environments. These natural agents have the potential to provide a more sustainable and environmentally friendly solution to the problem of fouling bacteria.
Overall, the problem of fouling bacteria is a significant challenge for the shipping industry and marine ecosystems. The development of alternative solutions to control fouling bacteria is critical to minimize the economic and environmental impacts of fouling, and natural antifouling agents derived from marine organisms are a promising area of research.
Marine actinomycetes, especially those that cause fouling, are a growing subject of study, and we encourage leading specialists in the field to send original works that have not been published elsewhere or are not under review by any other journals. This Special Issue will serve as a platform for researchers to present their most current results to the scientific community, and we will do our best to promote, integrate, and disseminate the articles that are published in it. We anticipate that the information presented in this Special Issue will lead to new insights, partnerships, and lines of inquiry.
We will consider works on topics including but not limited to:
- Natural products produced from marine actinomycetes that have the ability to inhibit bacteria causing fouling;
- Chemical characterization of antifouling compounds that are obtained from marine actinomycetes;
- Elucidation of the mechanism of action of natural product compounds active against fouling bacteria.
Dr. Mohamed H. Al-Agamy
Dr. Moaz M. Hamed
Guest Editors
Manuscript Submission Information
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Keywords
- marine actinomycetes
- antimicrobial activity
- antifouling
- antimicrobial mechanisms
- antimicrobial natural products
- natural isolated compounds
