Red Algae Stave Off Bacteria

Function

Delisea Pulchra (red algae) secrete a chemical called furanone that prevents bacteria from collecting and creating a biofilm on its body. Bacteria in biofilm release chemicals that send a signal to the other bacteria to build a colony; Furanone inhibits this colonization.

Functional Classification

Transfer/Dispose/Circulate:
Removal
Defense/Stability:
Microbe/germ resistancePreservative

Environmental Solution Classification

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Technical Application

Products and Services

Type of Business

Proposals of Applied Technology

Red algae’s antibacterial defense can be used to create pipes or containers that are inhospitable to bacteria that would be useful for commercial beverages. It can also be used in the dental/medical fields for the development of new, long-lasting contact lenses that are resistant to dirt, in the development of bacteria-resistant catheters, or as a coating to prevent dental cavities. Also possible is the development of air conditioners or air purifiers that prevent the spread of airborne infection, pipelines that do not get dirty, clogged, or corroded, or for the development of sinks and bathrooms that do not need cleaning.

Proposals of Applied Industry

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