Biogenic substance

A biogenic substance is a product made by or of life forms. While the term originally was specific to metabolite compounds that had toxic effects on other organisms,^[1] it has developed to encompass any constituents, secretions, and metabolites of plants or animals.^[2] In context of molecular biology, biogenic substances are referred to as biomolecules. They are generally isolated and measured through the use of chromatography and mass spectrometry techniques.^[3][4] Additionally, the transformation and exchange of biogenic substances can by modelled in the environment, particularly their transport in waterways.^[5]

The observation and measurement of biogenic substances is notably important in the fields of geology and biochemistry. A large proportion of isoprenoids and fatty acids in geological sediments are derived from plants and chlorophyll, and can be found in samples extending back to the Precambrian.^[4] These biogenic substances are capable of withstanding the diagenesis process in sediment, but may also be transformed into other materials.^[4] This makes them useful as biomarkers for geologists to verify the age, origin and degradation processes of different rocks.^[4]

Biogenic substances have been studied as part of marine biochemistry since the 1960s,^[6] which has involved investigating their production, transport, and transformation in the water,^[5] and how they may be used in industrial applications.^[6] A large fraction of biogenic compounds in the marine environment are produced by micro and macro algae, including cyanobacteria.^[6] Due to their antimicrobial properties they are currently the subject of research in both industrial projects, such as for anti-fouling paints,^[1] or in medicine.^[6]