Molecular Specificity of Adsorption of Biofilm Macromolecules and Accumulation of Microbial Biofouling on Artificial Surfaces in the Sea.

摘要

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 (MAE) macro-molecules have been raised in chickens and the immunoglobin-G (IgG) fraction utilized for isolation of crude MAE macromolecules 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 AE macro-molecules, and use these to chromatographically isolate and purify individual MAE macromolecules from mixtures of such components. Variability and diversity of MAE macromolecules produced by biofouling microorganisms, those found in ambient seawater and on biofouled surfaces will be assessed employing a spectrum of AE MAbs. The specificity of the interactions of the various MAE macromolecules with glass and metallic surfaces will be assessed. Alternations in the physical characteristics of the test surfaces and changes in their susceptibility to microbial biofouling will be correlated with these interactions. (kt)