Structural and physical-chemical analyses of sulfated polysaccharidesfrom the sea lettuce Ulva lactuca and their effects on thrombin generation / Análises estrutural e físico-química de polissacarídeos sulfatados da alface do mar Ulva lactuca e seus efeitos sobre geração de trombina

Ulva lactuca (Chlorophyceae) has biotechnologically-important sulfated-polysaccharides (Ul-SPs), but their potentials on thrombin generation (TG) are unknown. This study analyzed the structural and physicalchemical features of the Ul-SPs as modulators of TG. Proteolytic digestion yielded (13.13%) extract containing sulfate (20.43%) and total sugars (65.72%), besides ulvan consisting of rhamnose, xylose, glucose, glucuronic acid and α-/β-types glycosidic linkages as characterized by one-/two-dimensions nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) experiments. Fractionation of the Ul-SPs by DEAE-cellulose chromatography yielded Ul-SP1 and Ul-SP2 (0.50 and 0.75 M NaCl, respectively) showing sulfation (15.72-18.04%) and total sugars (59.73-60.58%) consistent with the charge density pattern by combination of agarose/polyacrylamide gel eletrophoresis using sequential staining with toluidine blue and stains-all, although with slight differences in their sizes (40 and >100 kDa, respectively). By both activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) and prothrombin time (PT) tests, anticoagulation of the fractions was virtually detected by APTT (0.39 and 0.43 IU, respectively) against heparin (193 IU). Fractions acted differently on both intrinsic/extrinsic pathways in TG using 60-fold diluted human plasma, with 50% efficacies up to 8.3 μg, whereas at high concentrations suggested intrinsic hypercoagulability since heparin abolished both systems at low amounts. Ul-SPs block TG, but predicting thrombosis in increasing doses.

Clorofícea Ulva lactuca possui polissacarídeos sulfatados (Ul-PSs) importantes biotecnologicamente, porém são desconhecidos seus potenciais sobre geração de trombina (GT). Analisaram-se as características estruturais e físico-químicas dos Ul-PSs como moduladores de GT. Digestão proteolítica rendeu (13,13%) extrato contendo sulfato (20,43%) e açúcares totais (65,72%), além de ulvana, como caracterizada por experimentos de ressonância magnética nuclear uni-/bi-dimensionais, consistindo de ramnose, xilose, glucose, ácido glucurônico e ligações glicosídicas tipos-α/-β. Fracionamento dos Ul-PSs por cromatografia de DEAE-celulose rendeu Ul-PS1 e Ul-PS2 (0,50 e 0,75 M de NaCl, respectivamente) mostrando sulfatação (15,72-18,04%) e açúcares totais (59,73- 60,58%) consistentes com o grau de densidade de carga por combinação de eletroforese em gel de agarose/poliacrilamida usando coramento sequencial com azul de toluidina e "stains-all", embora com diferenças quanto aos seus tamanhos (40 e >100 kDa, respectivamente). Por ambos os testes do tempo de tromboplastina parcial ativada (TTPA) e do tempo de protrombina, anticoagulação das frações foi detectada virtualmente pelo TTPA (0,39 e 0,43 UI, respectivamente) frente heparina (193 UI). Frações atuaram diferentemente sobre ambas as vias intrínsica/extrínsica na GT usando plasma humano diluído 60 vezes, com eficácias de 50% até 8,3 μg, enquanto em concentrações maiores sugeriram hipercoagulabilidade intrínsica visto que heparina aboliu ambos os sistemas em quantidades baixas. Ul-PSs bloqueiam GT, porém prevendo trombose em doses crescentes.

3-Hydroxy-4,7-megastigmadien-9-one, Isolated from Ulva pertusa Kjellman, Inhibits LPS-Induced Inflammatory Response by Down-Regulating Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase and NF-κB Pathways

In the present study we evaluated the anti-inflammatory potential of 3-hydroxy-4,7-megastigmadien-9-one (Comp) isolated from Ulva pertusa Kjellman, in LPS-stimulated bone marrow-derived dendritic cells (BMDCs). Comp treatment exhibited strong dose dependent inhibition of IL-12 p40 and IL-6 cytokine production with IC₅₀ values of 7.85 ± 0.32 and 7.86 ± 0.18, respectively in LPS-stimulated BMDCs. Treatment of Comp inhibited MAPKs and NF-κB pathways in LPS-stimulated BMDCs by inhibiting the phosphorylation of ERK1/2, JNK1/2, p38 and IκB. Thus, these results suggest that Comp have a significant anti-inflammatory property and affirm further studies concerning the potentials of Comp for medicinal use.

Comparative assessment of bacterial diversity associated with co-occurring eukaryotic hosts of Palk Bay origin.

Epibacterial communities of co-occurring eukaryotic hosts of Palk Bay origin (five seaweed species (Gracilaria sp, Padina sp, Enteromorpha sp, Sargassum sp, and Turbinaria sp) and one seagrass [Cymodaceae sp]) were analyzed for diversity and compared using 16S rRNA based Denaturant Gradient Gel Electrophoresis analysis. Diversity index revealed that Turbinaria sp hosts highest bacterial diversity while it was least in Gracilaria sp. The DGGE band profile showed that the epibacterial community differed considerably among the studied species. Statistical assessment using cluster analysis and Non-metric multidimensional scale analysis also authenticated the observed variability. Despite huge overlap, the composition of bacterial community structure differed significantly among the three closely related species namely Sargassum, Turbinaria and Padina. In addition, Enteromorpha and Sargassum, one being chlorophyta and the other phaeophyta showed about 80% similarity in bacterial composition. This differs from the general notion that epibacterial community composition will vary widely depending on the host phyla. The results extended the phenomenon of host specific epibacterial community irrespective of phylogeny and similarity in geographical location.

Vitamin B12 Content Using Modified Microbioassay in Some Korean Popular Seaweeds, Fish, Shellfish and Its Products

There is a limitation to estimate vitamin B12 intake due to a lack of data on vitamin B12 content in many Korean foods. In this study, vitamin B12 content was determined in some seaweeds, fish, and shellfish and their product that are consumed in Korea using a modified microbioassay with Lactobacillus delbruecki ATCC 7830. Dried laver and dried seasoned and toasted laver contained very high levels of vitamin B12 (66.8 and 55.2-71.3 microg/100 g, respectively. Sea lettuce and seaweed fulvescene also contained high vitamin B12 content of 5.47-9.41 and 6.46-7.20 microg/100 g, respectively, whereas sea mustard and sea tangle contained low levels of vitamin B12; vitamin B12 was not detected in seaweed fusifome. Pacific saury, trout, sea-bass, or squid contained 12.01, 2.00, 0.49 and 2.33 microg vitamin B12/100 g, respectively. Ochellatus octopus, and naked sand lance contained 0.72-1.43 and 3.68 microg vitamin B12/100 g, respectively. Dried Alaska pollack contained 0.19-2.64 microg vitamin B12/100 g. Shellfish such as little neck clam and small ark shellfish contained high levels of vitamin B12 of 30.5-40.5 microg/100 g, and mussel and abalone contained 17.71 and 7.82 microg/100 g, respectively. Of unique Korean traditional fermented seafood products, salt-fermented products of squid (2.91 microg/100 g), clams (34.31 microg/100 g), Alaska pollack roe (9.98-12.02 microg/100 g), hairtail guts (4.58 microg/100 g) or small shrimp (0.58-1.55 microg/100 g), and fish sauce from anchovies (1.52-1.78 microg/100 mL), sand eel (0.22-0.24 microg/100 mL) or small shrimp (0.19-0.78 microg/100 mL) were analyzed. A few commercial brands of flying fish roe (0.73-1.73 microg/100 g), canned tuna (0.40 microg/100 g), and fried fish paste (0.25-0.69 microg /100 g) were also analyzed. In conclusion, vitamin B12 content in these foods, chosen considering the Korean food culture, should contribute to improve the present vitamin B12 food database. It may be helpful to estimate vitamin B12 intake more correctly than before, and provide additional information for dietary education related to vitamin B12 and meal management.

Antiviral activity of the green marine alga Ulva fasciata on the replication of human metapneumovirus / Atividade antiviral da alga verde marinha Ulva fasciata na replicação do metapneumovírus humano

We evaluated the antiviral activity of the marine alga, Ulva fasciata, collected from Rasa beach and Forno beach, Búzios, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil on the replication of human metapneumovirus (HMPV). The algae extracts were prepared using three different methodologies to compare the activity of different groups of chemical composites obtained through these different methodologies. Four out of the six extracts inhibited nearly 100 percent of viral replication. The results demonstrated that the majority of the extracts (five out of six) possess virucidal activity and therefore have the ability to interact with the extracellular viral particles and prevent the infection. On the other hand, only two extracts (from Forno beach, obtained by maceration and maceration of the decoction) were able to interact with cell receptors, hindering the viral entry. Finally, only the extract of algae collected at Forno beach, obtained by maceration presented intracellular activity. To our knowledge, this is a pioneer study on antiviral activity of marine algae against HMPV. It is also the first on antiviral activity against HMPV ever done in Brazil. The study also shows the effect of different environment factors and different chemical procedures used to obtain the extract on its biological properties.

Neste artigo, foi avaliada a atividade antiviral da alga marinha Ulva fasciata, coletada nas Praias do Forno e Rasa, em Búzios, Rio de Janeiro, Brasil, sobre a replicação do metapneumovírus humano (HMPV). Os extratos desta alga foram preparados utilizando três diferentes metodologias, visando a comparação da atividade de diferentes grupos de compostos químicos que são obtidos dependendo da metodologia empregada. Quatro, do total de seis extratos foram capazes de inibir praticamente 100 por cento da replicação viral. Os resultados demonstram também que a maioria dos extratos (cinco, dos seis), possui atividade virucida e, portanto, possuem a habilidade de interagir com a partícula viral extracelularmente impedindo a infecção. Por outro lado, apenas dois extratos (coletado da Praia do Forno e, preparado através de maceração e maceração do decocto) foram capazes de se ligar a receptores celulares, impossibilitando assim a entrada das partículas virais nas células. Finalmente, apenas o extrato que foi preparado por maceração da alga coletada na Praia do Forno, demonstrou atividade intracelular. Até onde sabemos, este é um estudo pioneiro sobre a atividade antiviral de algas marinhas sobre o HMPV. É também o primeiro estudo sobre atividade antiviral sobre HMPV realizado no Brasil. O estudo também mostra o efeito de diferentes condições ambientais e procedimentos químicos utilizados na preparação do extrato sobre suas propriedades biológicas.

Physiological and physico-chemical characterization of dietary fibre from the green seaweed Ulva fasciata Delile / Caracterização fisiológica e físico-química da fibra alimentar da macroalga marinha verde Ulva fasciata Delile

This work aims to assess the potential of the green seaweed Ulva fasciata Delile as an alternative source of dietary fibre (DF). Total DF content was determined, some of its physico-chemical properties described and the physiological effects of U. fasciata meal on rats fed a hypercholesterolemic diet were investigated. U. fasciata may be considered a potential alternative source of DF with a total content of about 400 g.kg-1 (dry basis) and interesting physico-chemical properties: water retention capacity of 8.74 g/water.g-1 dry sample (seaweed meal) and 0.90 (seaweed carbohydrate extract), lipid adsorption capacity of 4.52 g/oil.g-1 dry sample (seaweed meal) and 5.70 (seaweed carbohydrate extract), intrinsic viscosity of 2.4 dl.g-1 (seaweed carbohydrate extract) and cation exchange capacity of 3.51 Eq.kg-1 (seaweed carbohydrate extract). The diet containing seaweed meal was able to keep rats' total cholesterol (TC) down without causing any undesirable increase in LDL-C fraction. No evidence of toxic and/or antinutritional components in the seaweed meal was detected. Rats showed a fecal volume much greater (13 g) than that fed on cellulose diet ( 7 g) (p < 0.05). These properties confer on the seaweed the potential to be used in food technology for the acquisition of low-calorie food and might be important in body weight control, reduction of blood TC and LDL-C as well as in prevention of gastrointestinal diseases.

Este trabalho objetivou avaliar o potencial da alga marinha verde Ulva fasciata Delile como fonte alternativa de fibra alimentar. Foram realizadas a determinação do teor de fibra alimentar total e a descrição de algumas propriedades físico-químicas, e os efeitos fisiológicos da farinha da alga seca sobre ratos alimentados com dieta hipercolesterolemizante foram investigados. Esta alga pode ser considerada uma fonte alternativa potencial de fibra com cerca de 400 g.kg-1 (base seca) e propriedades físico-químicas interessantes: uma capacidade de retenção de água de 8,74 g/água.g-1 de amostra seca (farinha de alga) e 0,90 (extrato de carboidratos), uma capacidade de adsorção de lipídeos de 4,52 g/óleo.g-1 de amostra seca (farinha de alga) e 5,70 (extrato de carboidratos), uma viscosidade intrínseca de 2,4 dl.g-1 (extrato de carboidrato da alga) e capacidade de troca iônica de 3,51 Eq.kg-1 (extrato de carboidrato). A dieta contendo farinha de alga foi capaz de manter baixos os níveis de colesterol total de ratos sem causar aumento indesejável na fração LDL-C. Nenhuma evidência de componentes tóxicos e/ou antinutricionais na farinha de alga foi encontrada. Os ratos mostraram um volume fecal maior (13 g) do que aqueles alimentados com dieta contendo celulose como fonte de fibra (7 g) (p < 0,05). Essas propriedades conferem a alga o potencial de ser utilizada na tecnologia de alimentos para a aquisição de alimentos de baixas calorias, podendo ser importante para o controle do peso corporal, redução do colesterol sanguíneo total e da fração LDL-C, como também na prevenção de doenças gastrintestinais.

Comparison of the effectiveness of four organic chemoattractants towards zoospores of Ulva pertusa and macrofouling.

Algal spores respond to many environmental variables, especially to chemical "cues". This chemotactic response can be utilized to attract spores, thereby colonization of a new substrata is possible to be influenced. In this attempt, four chemoattractant candidates were screened against spores of Ulva pertusa to reveal their efficiencies. Attachment and subsequent germination of Ulva spores were effectively influenced by these chemoattractant candidates. In particular 100 microg cm2 of D-glucose coating was found to enhance spore attachment by > 150%. Furthermore, field investigations carried out with test panels, clearly indicate the chemoattractive properties of test coatings. In recent years, various anthropogenic activities and natural hazards cause detrimental impacts on the benthic algae and other fishery resources. Artificial reefs have been laid on many coastal regions to increase or restore marine resources. Chemoattractant coatings can be applied on artificial surfaces to increase the colonization of benthic forms. It also can be used in the mariculture devices. Influence of chemoattractants on Ulva spores and fouling biomass estimated on test panels are discussed.

Rapid attachment of spores of the fouling alga Ulva fasciata on biofilms.

Attachment of spores of Ulva fasciata to natural biofilms was examined to probe the basis for specificity in settlement. Within 30 min from initial exposure in laboratory assays, spores attached to 1-, 3-, 6- or 9-day biofilms formed on acid-cleaned glass slides. The greatest number of spores attached to biofilms aged for 6-day (573.3 +/- 45 spores mm2, p<0.025). The Morisita Index (MI) was used to investigate relationships between the spatial pattern of spores on natural biofilms, and was found to be random for 1-, 3- and 6-day biofilms (MI = 0.93, 0.98 and 0.95, respectively), but non-random on 9-day biofilms (0.82). In addition to the attachment of spores to natural biofilms, experimentally manipulated biofilms that provided potentially specific receptor sites were studied. Epifluorescence microscopy of 1-day biofilms confirmed that experimental sugar was incorporated into natural biofilms. The Jacalin galactose specific probe showed a homogeneous pattem of galactose incorporation on biofilms, whereas Concanavalin Aprobe (mannose) showed a discrete pattem for this sugar. Similarly, the addition offetuin to a biofilm was detected as a heterogeneous pattern. Rapid spore attachment of U. fasciata found on natural biotilms was induced by fetuin (1-day: 1482 +/- 46.6 spores mm2); specific molecules similar to fetuin may play a role in triggering settlement Specific sugars and their analogs are important surface receptors and play an integral role in attachment of Ulva fasciata spores to aged biofilms. Biofilm age and the role of specific sugars on attachment are discussed.

Inhibition of attachment of some fouling diatoms and settlement of Ulva lactuca zoospores by film-forming bacterium and their extracellular products isolated from biofouled substrata in Northern Chile

The biofouling of surfaces submerged in the marine environment includes primary colonization of the substrate by microorganisms including bacteria, microalgae, and microscopic reproductive propagules of macroorganisms such as algal zoospores. The present study reports the evaluation of the inhibitory potential of biofilms and extracellular products (EP) of the indigenous bacterium Alteromonas sp strain Ni1-LEM on the settlement of marine biofouling such as: (i) eight marine benthic diatoms and (ii) zoospores of the alga Ulva lactuca, as well as the germination of these zoospores and was compared with reference strains with proven antifouling properties, Halomonas marina (ATCC 25374) and Pseudoalteromonas tunicata. Highest antifouling activity was found for the indigenous strain. In attempts to better define the chemical nature of the antifouling substance in the EP of the Alteromonas sp strain Ni1-LEM, the culture filtrates were tested for activity after heat treatment, enzymatic treatments, dialysis through semipermeable membranes, and separation into polar (aqueous) and non-polar (organic) fractions. The results suggested that the antifouling substance in the culture filtrates to be protein or peptide in nature, thermostable, hydrophilic, and equal to or greater than 3500 daltons in molecular size. Antifouling substances from bacteria may lead to the development of novel antifouling agents in the future.

Vitamin B12 Contents in Some Korean Fermented Foods and Edible Seaweeds

There is a limitation to estimate vitamin B12 intake due to lack of data on vitamin B12 content in many Korean foods. In this study, vitamin B12 content was determined in some soybean or vegetable-fermented foods, edible seaweeds and other frequently consumed foods in Korea by microbioassay using Lactobacillus delbruecki ATCC 7830. The traditional type of Doenjang and Chungkookjang contained 1.85 microgram/100 g and 0.69 microgram/100 g of vitamin B12, respectively, while the factory-type of Doenjang and Chungkookjang contained 0.04-0.86 microgram/100 g and 0.06-0.15 microgram/100 g. Vitamin B12 was not detected in steamed soybeans and Tofu which is a not-fermented soybean product, indicating that vitamin B12 in Doenjang and Chungkookjang might be produced during the fermentation process. The Korean-style soy sauce contained 0.04 microgram vitamin B12/100 mL, but vitamin B12 was not detected in Japanese-style soy sauce and white miso. Commercial Kimchi, a representative Korean vegetable- fermented food, made of Korean cabbage, Yeolmu, or Mustard leaves contained 0.013-0.03 microgram vitamin B12/100 g, while Kimchi without red pepper and fermented fish sauce (White Kimchi) did not. Vitamin B12 content was very high in some edible seaweeds such as laver (66.76 microgram/ 100 g dry weight) and sea lettuce (84.74 microgram/100 g dry weight), and it was 17.12 microgram/100 g of dried small anchovy, 1.07 microgram/100 g of whole egg, and 0.02 microgram/100 g of coffee mix. From these results, it is assumed that Koreans take substantial amount of vitamin B12 from plant-origin foods. And, with these data, we will be able to calculate dietary vitamin B12 content more correctly than before. In conclusion, soybean-fermented foods, Kimchi, laver and sea lettuce are recommendable as good sources of vitamin B12 for vegetarians or Korean elderly on grain and vegetable based diet.

Evaluation of antifouling activity of eight commercially available organic chemicals against the early foulers marine bacteria and Ulva spores.

Environmental impacts caused by tin and copper based commercial antifouling (AF) paints were proved to be detrimental to aquatic ecosystems. Therefore, a search of environmental friendly AF compounds to be used in marine paint to protect the surface of maritime developmental structures from the unwanted biofouling is a burning issue of the present time. Commercially available eight organic chemicals--allyl isothiocyanate, beta-myrecene, cis-3-hexenyl acetate, citral, ethyl heptanoate, eugenol, methyl caproate, and octyl alcohol were evaluated forAF activities using both laboratory and field assays. The test chemicals were found to repel the target motile marine bacteria--Alteromonas marina, Bacillus atrophaeus, Roseobactergallaeciensis and Shewanella oneidensis and motile spores of the green alga, Ulva pertusa. The bacterial and Ulva spore repulsion activities of the test chemicals were measured by chemotaxis and agar diffusion methods respectively interestingly these test chemicals were less toxic to the test fouling species. The toxicity of the test chemicals was measured by using antibiotic assay disks against the bacteria and motility test against Ulva spores. Moreover, in field assay, all test chemicals showed a perfect performance ofAF activity showing no fouling during the experimental period of one year Such results and commercial as well as technical feasibility of the test chemicals firmly showed the possibility of using as alternatives of the existing toxic AF agents.

Biofouling attractants from a brown marine alga Ecklonia cava.

In recent years, industrial pollutants and the mountain forest fire ashes released into seawater cause damage to the marine environment, mainly it reduces the algal productivity in the inter tidal region. To get recover from the stress due to pollutants and to increase the growth and development of biofouling algae (benthic organisms), Ecklonia cava extract was investigated for its biofouling attracting efficiency. Bioactive guided fractions of E. cava extract derived from column chromatography were tested against spore attachment of a fouling alga, Ulva pertusa. Fraction B showed increased spore attachment rate with a maximum of 92 +/- 5%. This fraction was further analysed on HPLC, GC-Mass and NMR, deduced as pentadecanoic acid.

Influence of five organic antifouling candidates on spore attachment and germination of a fouling alga Ulva pertusa.

Screening of test chemicals or formulations for antifouling (AF) activity is important to get first hand information on their nontoxic repelling activities. Especially spores of a fouling alga, Ulva pertusa were used in this study to test the AF efficiency of five organic chemicals. Coatings made with 100 microg cm2 of citral and eugenol significantly inhibited the spore attachment. A low concentration (1 microg cm2) of solanesol exhibited effective AF activity against spore attachment. Spore germination was sensitive to different AF candidates screened in this study. Based on the attachment and germination response of Ulva pertusa spores, AF efficiency of five organic AF candidates is discussed.

Studies on chemical constituents of green algae Ulva pertusa / 中国中药杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To study the compounds from Ulva pertusa.</p><p><b>METHOD</b>The alga was extracted with ethanol, isolated and purified by column chromatography on silica gel and sephadex LH -20. All the compounds were identified on the basis of spectral analysis (including IR, MS, NMR).</p><p><b>RESULT</b>Seven compounds were elucidated as cis-asarone (1), trans-asarone (2), gamma-asarone (3), trans-phytol (4), phytyl-stearate (5), phytyl-acetate (6), isophytol (7).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>All other compounds were isolated for the first time from U. pertusa, except for the compound 4.</p>

Copper removal from aqueous solution by marine green alga Ulva reticulata

The batch removal of copper (II) ions from aqueous solution under different experimental conditions using Ulva reticulata was investigated in this study. The copper (II) uptake was dependent on initial pH and initial copper concentration, with pH 5.5 being the optimum value. The equilibrium data were fitted using Langmuir and Freundlich isotherm model, with the maximum copper (II) uptake of 74.63 mg/g determined at a pH of 5.5. The Freundlich model regression resulted in high correlation coefficients and the model parameters were largely dependent on initial solution pH. At various initial copper (II) concentrations (250 to 1000 mg/L), sorption equilibrium was attained between 30 and 120 min. The copper (II) uptake by U. reticulata was best described by Pseudo-second order rate model and the rate constant, the initial sorption rate and the equilibrium sorption capacity were also reported. The elution efficiency for copper-desorption from U. reticulata was determined for 0.1 M HCl, H2SO4, HNO3 and CaCl2 at various Solid-to-Liquid ratios (S/L). The solution CaCl2 (0.1 M) in HCl at pH 3 was chosen to be the most suitable copper-desorbing agent. The biomass was also employed in three sorption-desorption cycles with 0.1 M CaCl2 (in HCl, pH 3) as the elutant.

Fouling coverage of a green tide alga, Ulva pertusa on some antifouling test surfaces exposed to Ayagin harbor waters, east coast of South Korea.

Toxic antifouling chemicals released into the seawaters leads to marine environmental degradation. In order to identify a nontoxic antifoulant, an assessment of antifouling (AF) efficacy of some AF candidates was made at Ayagin harbor, east coast of South Korea. In this static panel study conducted during October 2000-March 2001, some commercial antifoulants, seaweed and seagrass extracts were screened. On panel surfaces coated with a seaweed extract, Ishige okamurae exhibited effective AF activity. Ulva pertusa was encountered as a 'monospecific' fouler with fairly high fouling coverage on many of the test panel surfaces. In recent years the increased influx of inorganic pollutants in the coastal waters causes exorbitant growth of fouling marine algae found all along the Korean peninsula. Especially, a cosmopolitan ship fouling alga U. pertusa occur with high abundance. It was largely suggested that the proposed international ban on the toxic antifoulant tributyltin (TBT) had significant effect on the 'green tide' phenomenon occurring in different parts of the world. However, it appears that Korean scenario of 'green tide' is a localized. Antifouling efficacy of some AF coatings and fouling coverage of a green tide alga, U. pertusa are discussed.