Course: SAT 170 Introductory Biotechnology

Unit 13 Learning Module

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Biopolymers and other Chemical Agents

Notice the accumulation of mussels and other marine organisms on this piece of equipment; this is an example of biofouling.
Marine organisms are an important course of biopolymers and other chemical agents that are industrially significant. These compounds are being heavily investigated, among other reasons, to solve problems such as generating effective underwater adhesives and antifouling agents. For example, the adhesive proteins naturally produced by mussels have been used to design adhesive compounds that are wet-setting as well as being able to displace surface water for strong adhesion. The uses of such adhesives are important for ship repair at sea, as well as for the attachment of sensors to the hulls of ships for monitoring purposes. The accumulation of microorganisms, plants, algae and/or animals to a wet surface is known as biofouling. Biofouling can be a very costly process for the shipping industries as it may result in costly repairs and can increase the drag experienced as a ship travels which greatly increases the fuel consumption of that ship. Furthermore, biofouling can impact any environment where water based liquids come into contact with other materials, such as components of large industrial equipment or pipelines carrying oil, wastewater, or those used in fire protection systems. Thus antifouling agents are important for reducing the costs associated with biofouling. Many aquatic organisms have natural antifouling agents which they use in their natural habitat to keep their bodies clear of other organisms. Studying these agents has led to the production of a variety of new and effective commercially available antifouling agents. These antifouling compounds can be used as coatings for ship hulls to prevent the accumulation of marine organisms to those hulls, thereby improving the fuel efficiency and reducing fuel costs and carbon emissions from those ships.

One very interesting industrial application of marine biotechnology is the production of synthetic antifreeze based on the natural properties exhibited by organisms living in the Arctic and Antarctic. These organisms produce a protein known as antifreeze glycoprotein (AFGP) which prevents the formation of ice crystals in their body structures. Using AGFP as a template, researchers have been able to produce effective, non-toxic antifreeze. This antifreeze can be used to preserve organs and tissues needed for transplant without causing damage to those transplant materials. Additionally, industrial processes can benefit from cold-stable cells, thus improving the bioprocessing and bioproduction procedures. Finally, in the field of agriculture, the incorporation of an AGFP gene into a crop can impart frost resistance to those organisms, thus extending the growing season and improving the harvest from crops in colder climates.
Fish in extreme habitats exhibit unique traits. The production of antifreeze glycoprotein by fish in the arctic and Antarctic is one example.