Natural antifouling compound production by microbes associated with marine macroorganisms — A review

In the marine environment, all hard surfaces including marine macroorganims are colonized by microorganisms mainly from the surrounding environment. The microorganisms associated with marine macroorganisms offer tremendous potential for exploitation of bioactive metabolites. Biofouling is a continuous problem in marine sectors which needs huge economy for control and cleaning processes. Biotechnological way for searching natural product antifouling compounds gained momentum in recent years because of the environmental pollution associated with the use of toxic chemicals to control biofouling. While, natural product based antifoulants from marine organisms particularly sponges and corals attained significance due to their activities in field assays, collection of larger amount of organisms from the sea is not a viable one. The microorganisms associated with sponges, corals, ascidians, seaweeds and seagrasses showed strong antimicrobial and also antifouling activities. This review highlights the advances in natural product antifoulants research from microbes associated with marine organisms.

Evaluation of hemosponge in promoting dental socket healing after 3rd mandibular premolar extraction in a feline model

Aim: To investigate the healing process following use of collagen sponges in the dental socket after extraction. Wound complications during the study were also evaluated. Methods: 32 cats were included in this study. IV administration of the combination of diazepam (0.22 mg/kg) and ketamine (10 mg/kg) was used to induce general anesthesia. Surgical extraction of both 3rd mandibular premolars was performed. The open dental sockets were divided in two groups. In Group A, the open dental socket on the left side was closed using 4-0 Monocryl in simple interrupted pattern. In Group B, the right dental socket was filled with lyophilized hydrolyzed collagen and the buccal and lingual flaps were sutured using 4-0 Monocryl and simple interrupted pattern. Meloxicam (0.2 mg/kg) was used to manage the post-extraction pain in all cats. Ampicilline 20 mg/kg was used as prophylaxis. The wounds were observed during the study to evaluate any signs of inflammation or dehiscence. Radiographs were taken to compare healing of the socket 3 weeks after the procedure. A 1 mm biopsy punch sample was taken from sockets in all cats for comparison of the healing in both groups. Results: Hemorrhage occurred only in the sockets of Group A. Remission of radiolucent area occurred in both groups. Mean score of inflammation was lower and mean scores of fibrotic reaction and fibroplasia were higher in Group B (p<0.05). Conclusions: Use of hemosponge in alveolar socket may accelerate fibroplasia and formation of the connective tissue and reduce inflammation after tooth extraction. Therefore, post-extraction use of the hemostatic agent in the dental socket is recommended.