Inhibition of fouling by marine bacteria immobilised in kappa-carrageenan beads

Biofouling. 2007;23(3-4):287-94. doi: 10.1080/08927010701366280.

Abstract

Antifouling solutions that leave little or no impact in the world's oceans are constantly being sought. This study employed the immobilisation of the antifouling bacterium Pseudoalteromonas tunicata in kappa-carrageenan to demonstrate how a surface may be protected from fouling by bacteria, i.e. a 'living paint'. Attempts so far to produce a 'living paint' have been limited in both longevity of effectiveness and demonstration of applicability, most noticeably regarding the lack of any field data. Here survival of bacteria immobilised in kappa-carrageenan for 12 months in the laboratory is demonstrated and evidence presented for inhibition of fouling for up to 7 weeks in the field (Sydney Harbour, NSW, Australia).

Publication types

  • Evaluation Study
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Carrageenan*
  • Cells, Immobilized / physiology*
  • Eukaryota / drug effects
  • Eukaryota / growth & development
  • Hot Temperature
  • Microbial Viability
  • Oceans and Seas
  • Paint*
  • Polymerase Chain Reaction
  • Pseudoalteromonas / cytology
  • Pseudoalteromonas / physiology*
  • Sensitivity and Specificity
  • Time Factors

Substances

  • Carrageenan