Primary Adhesion in Enteromorpha. Cue Detection and Surface Selection in the Settlement and Adhesion of Enteromorpha Spores.

摘要

Enteromorpha is the most important alga fouling hulls, whether coated with conventional Cu-based paints or foul-release silicones. Since fouling by Enteromorpha is increasing as a consequence of the increased deployment of TBT- free coatings, it is important to understand the processes involved in the initiation of fouling, i.e. spore settlement and adhesion. Our results provide the most comprehensive characterisation of the settlement and adhesion processes and the roles of surface-associated cues, of any soft-fouling species to date, We have shown that spores respond to chemical, physico- chemical, biological (microbial biofilm) and topographic cues. Novel insights have been gained on communication processes involved in the development of a micro-fouling community. Thirteen papers in refereed journals and several abstracts were published.