Adrenoceptor and other pharmacoactive compounds as putative antifoulants.

The search for new antifouling methods, which are non-hazardous for the marine environment, is intense. However, even if several innovations in this field of research have been made, the search for unique molecules with characteristics such as strong biological activity, low residence time in the marine environment and which target special physiological features in marine invertebrate larvae, biofilm forming bacteria or algal spores is still required. This chapter reviews the effects of biogenic amine receptor agonists and antagonists, primarily G protein-coupled receptors, on settling barnacle cypris larvae. Biotechnological research on adrenoceptor compounds as lead molecules in new antifouling technologies is also reviewed.