Micro- and nanotechnologies in plankton research

What is it about?

A better understanding of the vast range of plankton and their interactions with the marine environment would allow prediction of their large-scale impact on the marine ecosystem, and provide in-depth knowledge on pollution and climate change. Numerous technologies, especially lab-on-a-chip microsystems, are being used to this end. Marine biofouling is a global issue with significant economic consequences. Ecofriendly polymer nanotechnologies are being developed to combat marine biofouling. Furthermore, nanomaterials hold great potential for bioremediation and biofuel production. Excellent reviews covering focused topics in plankton research exist, with only a handful discussing both micro- and nanotechnologies. This work reviews both micro- and nanotechnologies applied to broad-ranging plankton research topics including flow cytometry, chemotaxis/toxicity assays, biofilm formation, marine antifouling/fouling-release surfaces and coatings, green energy, green nanomaterials, microalgae immobilization, and bioremediation.

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Why is it important?

Highlights • Microtechnologies used in analyzing plankton and their interactions with environment are discussed. • Antifouling coatings based on microtopographies and natural compounds have been summarized. • Polymer nanotechnologies being developed and commercialized to combat marine fouling are highlighted. • Micro and nanotechnologies used for green energy applications are summarized. • Nanomaterials for algal immobilization and bioremediation have been discussed.

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