Abstract: Stenoprophiluric media provide for the creation and sustained well being of micro-habitats in uncontrolled host habitats in order to study the biological, biochemical and physical (morphological) properties of the organisms and their consortiums inherently and/or in relationship to competing or proximal micro-habitats as well. Given this in-situ method of study of these consortiums; sampling of metabolic bio-chemicals both primary and secondary is readily achieved. By providing this medium or platform for natural in-situ evaluation of varying host habitats and/or multiple sub-habitats (micro-habitats) in the same host habitat, conditions and changing relationships can be evaluated; physically, biologically, and chemically. Evaluation enhancements by this method provides for the ability to sample discrete chemicals or groups of chemicals and/or compounds for easy bio-activity evaluation.

Abstract: This invention relates to an article comprising a bio-supportive matrix comprising at least one bio-limiting agent and at least one nutritional source on a substrate. The invention also relates to the bio-supportive matrix and methods of using the matrix. The present invention can be used as a biological barrier to unwanted organisms, such as animals and plants, by producing allelochemicals that either kill or repel those organisms. The invention could be used as a coating on a vessel to prevent fouling of vessels. The invention may also be used to manufacture specific allelochemicals such as drugs or pharmaceuticals. The invention also relates to a method of preparing a bio-limiting ecological substrate useful as a means for producing allelochemicals, comprising the steps of providing a bio-supportive matrix as described above, and exposing the matrix to the environment, wherein the matrix is prepared to provide a biomass that produces the desired allelochemicals.

Abstract: The instant invention is a bio-supportive medium comprising a degradable material, at least one nutritional source, and at least one bio-limiting agent dispersed in the biodegradable material. The nutritional source is present in the degradable material or an additive to the degradable material. The components of the bio-supportive medium are provided in quantities, such that the bio-supportive medium is capable of supporting formation of a biomass having a specific consortium of organisms, substantially at equilibrium within its environment or host habitat. While maintaining the biomass, the bio-limiting agent also provides the bio-supportive medium to limit the amount and type of species present in the biomass. The instant invention provides a unique bio-mimicking and environmentally-friendly way to control fouling of materials exposed to marine and aquatic environments.

Abstract: This invention relates to an article comprising a bio-supportive media which bio-degrades at a preferred rate, comprising at least one bio-limiting agent and at least one nutritional source on a substrate. The media may be characterized as a polymer, composite, or amalgam of commonly used materials. The invention relates to altering the physical/chemical composition of the media such that biodegradation can occur at a specific, usually accelerated, preferred rate. Further, the biodegradation rate may be managed and balanced concurrently with the ability to provide for the exposure of integral component(s) which are bio-active. This relationship essentially provides for a managed release or managed availability of agent(s) which creates a new set of ecological conditions.