Omics Techniques Used in Marine Biofouling Studies

Biofouling is the growth of organisms on wet surfaces. Biofouling includes micro- (bacteria and unicellular algae) and macrofouling (mussels, barnacles, tube worms, bryozoans, etc.) and is a major problem for industries. However, the settlement and growth of some biofouling species, like oysters and corals, can be desirable. Thus, it is important to understand the process of biofouling in detail. Modern omic techniques, such as metabolomics, metagenomics, transcriptomics, and proteomics, provide unique opportunities to study biofouling organisms and communities and investigate their metabolites and environmental interactions. In this review, we analyze the recent publications that employ metagenomic, metabolomic, and proteomic techniques for the investigation of biofouling and biofouling organisms. Specific emphasis is given to metagenomics, proteomics and publications using combinations of different omics techniques. Finally, this review presents the future outlook for the use of omics techniques in marine biofouling studies. Like all trans-disciplinary research, environmental omics is in its infancy and will advance rapidly as researchers develop the necessary expertise, theory, and technology.

Automated summary

Biofouling is the growth of organisms on wet surfaces, including micro- and macrofouling. While it is a major problem for industries, the settlement and growth of some biofouling species can be desirable. Modern omic techniques provide unique opportunities to study biofouling organisms and communities and investigate their metabolites and environmental interactions.