Marine biofilms: diversity of communities and of chemical cues

• Type: Another Publication in an International Scientific Journal
• Date: 2019

Authors

Antunes, J (Author) Other; Pedro N Leao (Author) Other; Vitor Vasconcelos (Author) FCUP

Journal

Title: Environmental Microbiology Reports

Vol. 11

Pages: 287-305

ISSN: 1758-2229

Publisher: Wiley-Blackwell

Indexing

ISI Web of Knowledge - 68 Citations

Scopus - 72 Citations

Other information

Authenticus ID: P-00P-RKS

DOI: 10.1111/1758-2229.12694

Abstract (EN): Surfaces immersed in seawater are rapidly colonized by various microorganisms, resulting in the formation of heterogenic marine biofilms. These communities are known to influence the settlement of algae spores and invertebrate larvae, triggering a succession of fouling events, with significant environmental and economic impacts. This review covers recent research regarding the differences in composition of biofilms isolated from different artificial surface types and the influence of environmental factors on their formation. One particular phenomenon - bacterial quorum sensing (QS) - allows bacteria to coordinate swarming, biofilm formation among other phenomena. Some other marine biofilm chemical cues are believed to modulate the settlement and the succession of macrofouling organisms, and they are also reviewed here. Finally, since the formation of a marine biofilm is considered to be an initial, QS-dependent step in the development of marine fouling events, QS inhibition is discussed on its potential as a tool for antibiofouling control in marine settings.

Language: English

Type (Professor's evaluation): Scientific

No. of pages: 19