Paint containing tributyl tin stops marine life fouling the bottoms of boats,
but the chemical also leaches into the water and kills shellfish. Danisco of
Copenhagen is patenting a paint and enzyme mixture that prevents fouling without
causing pollution (W0 00/75293). A substance called hexose oxidase is extracted
from the marine alga Chondrus cripus and mixed into paint. When oxygen
is available, the enzyme breaks down any glucose and maltose nutrients nearby,
which stops marine life growing on the boat. The same paint can be used in an
aquarium to stop submerged metal, glass or plastic collecting gunge.
More from New Scientist
Explore the latest news, articles and features
Technology
Why full-fledged quantum computers might always be five years away
Comment
Technology
Quantum computers are starting to become useful as scientific tools
News
Technology
OpenAI’s hacking agent went rogue. Should we be worried?
News
Technology
China is trying to regulate relationships with AI – can it work?
News
Popular articles
Trending New Scientist articles