Are echinoderms of interest to biotechnology?

The huge potential of echinoderms as a so far fairly untapped source of bioactive molecules is described. Examples are presented that show the usefulness of echinoderm-derived molecules for therapeutic application in selected fields of cancer research, in the control of bacterial growth as substances with new antibiotic properties, and finally in the context of technical applications such as antifouling substances. The molecules described here are but the mere beginning of a commercial exploitation of echinoderms and may incite a deeper involvement of biotechnology-oriented research in this material.