Barnaclein vitroassays for biologically active substances: Toxicity and Settlement inhibition assays using mass culturedBalanus amphitrite amphitritedarwin

Abstract

The development of non-toxic or non-polluting antifouling additives that can be formulated in practical coatings requires assays involving target organisms. Assays that test both for the effective and toxic concentrations of active compounds are useful. It is also desirable if the assay can provide information regarding the performance that can be expected if the compounds are incorporated into different matrices. Described here are the simple laboratory assays that have been developed using the barnacle, Balanus amphitrite, a common fouling organism found throughout temperate and tropical seas. One of the assays depends on synchronous year-round mass culture, the procedure for which is described, of cypris larvae. The laboratory assays provide quantitative estimates of toxicity and settlement inhibition of barnacles. The methods described provide an excellent system for the use of barnacles to study the interaction of the test compounds and surfaces.

Can acclimation of thermal tolerance, in adults and across generations, act as a buffer against climate change in tropical marine ectotherms?

“…The high intertidal barnacles (Amphibalanus amphitrite) were found on rocks or mangrove roots and branches in Kranji following the methods of Rittschof (Rittschof et al, 1992;Rittschof et al, 2003).…”

“…Adults were dried overnight in air at ambient temperature to stimulate spawning (following Rittschof et al, 1992;Rittschof et al, 2003) and when they were re-submerged in sea water under strong light, nauplii were released and swam towards the light. Nauplii were collected into glass beakers containing 400 ml of aerated seawater at the appropriate salinity and temperature for up to 4 hours or until a concentration of 2-3 larvae/ml was achieved.…”

Proteomic analysis of larvae during development, attachment, and metamorphosis in the fouling barnacle, Balanus amphitrite

“…This barnacle has a complex life cycle during which the swimming nauplius molts six times and transforms into a cyprid and the later must attach to a surface to metamorphose into an adult barnacle [1]. Cyprid attachment and metamorphosis are dynamic and rapid process involving tissue remodulation and differentiation in addition to a variety of biochemical and physiological alterations mediated by differential gene and protein expression [2].…”

Chemical Defenses: From Compounds to Communities

“…The most common assay for biofouling is inhibition of the settlement and metamorphosis of the barnacle Balanus amphitrite (Rittschof et al, 1992). Balanus spp.…”