Antifouling activity in some benthic Antarctic invertebrates by "in situ" experiments at Deception Island, Antarctica. (April 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Angulo-Preckler, Carlos; Cid, Cristina; Oliva, Francesc; Avila, Conxita
• Is Part Of: Marine environmental research. Volume 105(2015:Apr.)
• Page Start: 30
• Page End: 38
• Publication Date: 2015-04
• Subjects: Biofouling -- Antibacterial activity -- Natural products -- Confocal microscopy -- Chemical defenses; Marine pollution -- Environmental aspects -- Periodicals; Marine ecology -- Periodicals; Mer -- Pollution -- Aspect de l'environnement -- Périodiques; Écologie marine -- Périodiques; Electronic journals; 577.705
• DOI: 10.1016/j.marenvres.2015.02.001
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0141-1136

Abstract

Abstract: Competition for space is a remarkable ecological force, comparable to predation, producing a strong selective pressure on benthic invertebrates. Some invertebrates, thus, possess antimicrobial compounds to reduce surface bacterial growth. Antimicrobial inhibition is the first step in avoiding being overgrown by other organisms, which may have a negative impact in feeding, respiration, reproduction … The in situ inhibition of bacterial biofilm was used here as an indicator of antifouling activity by testing hydrophilic extracts of twelve Antarctic invertebrates. Using two different approaches (genetics and confocal techniques) different levels of activity were found in the tested organisms. In fact, differences within body parts of the studied organisms were determined, in agreement with the Optimal Defense Theory. Eight out of 15 extracts tested had negative effects on fouling after 28 days submerged in Antarctic waters. Thus, although chemical defenses may be quite species-specific in their ecological roles, these results suggest that different chemical strategies exist to deal with space competition. Highlights: The in situ inhibition of bacterial biofilm was used as an indicator of antifouling activity. Some hydrophilic extracts from Antarctic invertebrates present a strong antifouling activity. Two different approaches were used to measure the antifouling activity of these invertebrates. Special microbial community described at Deception Island, Antarctica.