Molecular Specificity of Adsorption of Biofilm Macromolecules and Microbial Biofouling on Artificial Surfaces in the Sea
Abstract
The diversity and variability of macromolecular components that mediate initial microbial attachment to surfaces in ambient seawater is being determined employing immunological techniques. Antisera against microbial adhesion enhancing macromolecules (MAEM) have been raised in chickens and the immunoglobin-G (IgG) fraction utilized for isolation of crude MAEM from samples of cell free coastal seawater and marine microbial culture media by immunoaffinity chromatography. The objective of the present study is to produce monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) against MAEM and use these to chromatographically isolate and purify individual MAEM from mixtures of such components. Variability and diversity of MAEM produced by biofouling microorganisms, those found soluble in ambient seawater and on biofouled surfaces will be assessed employing a spectrum of MAEM MAbs. The specificity of the interactions of the various MAEM with glass and metallic surfaces will be assessed. Alterations in the physical characteristics of the test surfaces and changes in their susceptibility to microbial biofouling will be correlated with these interactions. Keywords: Adhesion enhancing (AE); macromolecules; AE Monoclonal antibodies; Macromolecular biofouling; Sea surfaces; AE Biofouling antigens.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Mar 06, 1990
- Accession Number
- ADA219269
Entities
People
- Thomas R. Tosteson
- Yasuhino Yamamura
Organizations
- University of Puerto Rico at Mayaguez