{% extends "layout.html" %} {% block title %}Project Description{% endblock %} {% block lead %}Describe how and why you chose your iGEM project.{% endblock %} {% block page_content %}
Marine fouling organisms, such as barnacles and mussels, are known to adhere not only to rock surfaces but also to ship bottoms and ship screws.It is estimated that the adhesion of marine biofouling on ships causes an increase in ship weight and water resistance, resulting in a 40% increase in fuel consumption by ships, and the resulting excess fuel costs are estimated to be about 150 billion USD per year worldwide.Furthermore, the increase in fuel consumption has led to an increase in emissions of toxic substances such as carbon dioxide, sulfur oxides, and nitrogen oxides, which contribute to air pollution and global warming.The potential damage caused by barnacle adhesion has also been reported in fishing nets and power plants that use seawater as cooling water, and the potential damage is unknown.
To solve the problem of marine fouling organisms, organotin compounds have traditionally been applied to the surfaces of vessels.However, these substances are known to be biocidal and have a negative impact on the marine environment, creating new environmental problems.
To address the multiple environmental problems caused by barnacles, we turned our attention to other marine organisms.Some marine organisms, such as nudibranchs and seaweeds, are known to produce chemicals that prevent barnacles from adhering to them.Among the substances we focused on are those derived from actinomycetes that live symbiotically on the surface of sponges.This substance, called Cyclo-L-Trp-L-Ala, is of biological origin and is therefore considered to have no negative impact on the environment.It has also been confirmed that it has no adverse effects on living organisms.
Therefore, we will introduce the actinomycete-derived cyclo-L-Trp-L-Ala synthesis into Escherichia coli to mass-produce an "environmentally friendly adhesion inhibitor" derived from these organisms.By using these substances in paints, we aim to solve the economic and environmental problems caused by marine fouling organisms.