Control of Degradation of Naval Materials through the Use of Biologically Active Products from the Marine Environment: The Adhesive Properties of 'Chlorella vulgaris', and the Enhancement of this Adhesion by Substances Found in Ambient Sea Water

摘要

The adhesion of Chlorella vulgaris (Beij) is mediated by an adhesive cellular exudate that coats the outer surfaces of the cell. The production of this material is stimulated by thymidine. Analysis of the 'life cycle' of the Chlorella cell indicates that the cell is markedly more adhesive in the G2 phase of the cell cycle. Accumulation at the colcemid blocked phase of mitosis is inhibited by actinomycin D and darkness. The adhesion of these cells to glass surfaces is inhibited by actinomycin D but is uninhibited by darkness. Thus the adhesive period of the cell cycle lies after the block in cellular growth imposed by actinomycin D and before that imposed by darkness. Ambient sea water contains material that promotes the adhesion of this cell to glass and plastic surfaces. This non-dialyzable material is organic in nature. The activity of the extracted material is heat labile and depends on the presence of a lipid component. The nature of the activity appears to be similar to that of the cellular exudate produced by the Chlorella cell. The significance of the presence of this factor in the Subtropical Underwater of the Caribbean is discussed. (Author)