Diatom Adhesives: Molecular and Mechanical Properties

Whole cell adhesion strength of morphotypes and isolates of Phaeodactylum tricornutum (Bacillariophyceae)

“…Adhesion to a substratum through secretion of sticky extracellular polymeric substances (EPS), is an important strategy for growth and survival of motile benthic diatoms (recently reviewed by Underwood & Paterson, 2003;Chiovitti et al, 2006). Adhesion provides traction for the 'gliding' form of motility used by motile pennate diatoms to adjust their position in relation to fluctuating environmental circumstances.…”

“…The biochemical composition of EPS not only varies between different diatom species, but can also vary depending on the environmental conditions the diatom is being exposed to (Abdullahi et al, 2006). EPS molecules of pennate diatoms are secreted through pores in the frustules and through the slit-like raphe, and recent studies using Atomic Force Microscopy (reviewed in Chiovitti et al, 2006) clearly demonstrate differences in mechanical properties of EPS materials secreted from these two locations. EPS molecules secreted through the raphe link the cell cytoplasm to the substratum providing a method for 'gliding' motility via the adhesion complex (AC) involving an actin-myosin system located adjacent to each raphe (Edgar & Pickett-Heaps, 1984;Poulsen et al, 1999).…”

Progress of marine biofouling and antifouling technologies

“…Some mechanical models for locomotion have been calculated in earlier studies [41,42], and some reasonable cell locomotion mechanisms have been proposed (Figure 5(c)) [43]. After diatom gliding, if the diatoms continue their life cycles in that position, they will form irreversible secondary adhesion by secreting a large amount of EPS [44][45][46]. Individual diatoms commonly generate EPS like stalks in this period [45,47,48].…”

“…After diatom gliding, if the diatoms continue their life cycles in that position, they will form irreversible secondary adhesion by secreting a large amount of EPS [44][45][46]. Individual diatoms commonly generate EPS like stalks in this period [45,47,48].…”

“…As with bacteria, EPS produced by different types of diatoms are diverse [49,50], and include various protein fractions and complex anionic polysaccharides with heterogeneous combinations of monosaccharide [45]. In addition, at least two types of mucilage can be detected for the same species of diatom [51,52].…”