title: Combinatorial materials research applied to the development of new surface coatings V. Application of a spinning water-jet for the semi-high throughput assessment of the attachment strength of marine fouling algae.
abstract: In order to facilitate a semi-high throughput approach to the evaluation of novel fouling-release coatings, a 'spinjet' apparatus has been constructed. The apparatus delivers a jet of water of controlled, variable pressure into the wells of 24-well plates in order to facilitate measurement of the strength of adhesion of algae growing on the base of the wells. Two algae, namely, sporelings (young plants) of the green macroalga Ulva and a diatom (Navicula), were selected as test organisms because of their opposing responses to silicone fouling-release coatings. The percentage removal of algal biofilm was positively correlated with the impact pressure for both organisms growing on all the coating types. Ulva sporelings were removed from silicone elastomers at low impact pressures in contrast to Navicula cells which were strongly attached to this type of coating. The data obtained for the 24-well plates correlated with those obtained for the same coatings applied to microscope slides. The data show that the 24-well plate format is suitable for semi-high throughput screening of the adhesion strength of algae.
authors: The University of Birmingham, School of Biosciences, Birmingham, UK.
authors: Franck
authors: F
authors: Cassé
authors: Shane J
authors: SJ
authors: Stafslien
authors: James A
authors: JA
authors: Bahr
authors: Justin
authors: J
authors: Daniels
authors: John A
authors: JA
authors: Finlay
authors: James A
authors: JA
authors: Callow
authors: Maureen E
authors: ME
authors: Callow
mesh_terms: D018441:Biofilms / Q000254:growth & development; D002448:Cell Adhesion; D020099:Coated Materials, Biocompatible; D017377:Diatoms / Q000502:physiology*; D008386:Marine Biology; D008422:Materials Testing / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods; D011312:Pressure; D044445:Ulva / Q000502:physiology*; D014867:Water
chemical_list: D020099:Coated Materials, Biocompatible; D014867:Water