Marine sponges: source of novel biotechnological substances

Abstract Sponges offer a plethora of biotechnological substances. Even though thorough research started only about 50 years ago, today ten thousands of compounds are known. Some are produced by the sponge cells themselves but the majority is synthesized by their associated symbionts, which include cyanobacteria, algae, viruses, and many bacterial phyla. The substances can be used as a medication against numerous diseases such as inflammations and cancer; they have neurosuppressive, immunosuppressive, and neuroprotective properties and fight infections by viruses, bacteria, fungi, protozoa, and helminths. Another wide field is the use as nontoxic antifouling substances for ship hulls and propulsion systems, water tanks, and underwater cables and tubes. They are even used to leach metals from electronic wastes.