Enzymatic Nanocellulose for Antibiofilm Applications

点击翻译按钮获取中文摘要

Ocean-dependent activities make a substantial contribution to the Canadian economy. However, accumulation**and adhesion of microorganisms on wetted surfaces and their systematic organization into stable, coordinated,**resilient communities (biofilms) costs the Canadian marine industry billions of dollars each year in equipment**damage, energy losses and product contamination (biofouling). It follows that new, effective, and**environmentally compatible options are needed to control fouling.**BIOSA TECHNOLOGIES LTD is a company specializing in enzymatic biotechnology. Currently, BIOSA**TECHNOLOGIES LTD is looking to combine their adapted enzymes with advanced, customized**nanomaterials for the fabrication of anti-biofilm coatings for marine equipment and installations. To address**the company's need, we propose the development of environmentally benign, non-toxic and industrially**sustainable enzyme-modified nanocellulose with antimicrobial and antifouling properties. With environmental**concerns over sustainability and end-of-life disposal challenges on the rise, we suggest that functional 'green'**materials derived from renewable resources such as cellulose represent a viable and effective solution to the**company's specific problem, offering low maintenance and lifecycle costs, stability, reusability, substrate and**product specificity.**Canada has the longest coastline and the fourth largest ocean territory in the world; maritime resources are**one of our most significant assets. Indeed, enormous potential exists to better leverage science and technology**in Canada's ocean sectors and to build an innovative, knowledge-based ocean economy. The outcomes of this**project - which follows a multidisciplinary approach at the interface of chemistry, biology and nanotechnology**- are expected not only to contribute to Canadian excellence and competitiveness through the invention of a**completely novel, efficient and sustainable bionanotechnology, but also to lead to the creation of Canadian**intellectual property with great potential for commercialization.