The Primary Microbial Film and Its Role in Marine Fouling Processes

摘要

During the past year the role of bacterial chemotaxis in the formation of the primary microbial film was investigated intensively. Motile marine bacteria were found to have characteristic chemotactic responses to organic compounds. Bacteria which are attracted to maltose are found in abundance on surfaces painted with maltose. Similar results were found with other organic materials suggesting that chemotaxis plays an important part in the formation of bacterial films on surfaces. Toxic chemicals in sub-lethal concentrations repel these bacteria. Non-toxic chemicals can also be used as repellants. (Author)