Antifouling activity of twelve demosponges from Brazil

Sm Ribeiro,Bap Da Gama,Ac Rubem,R Rogers,G Muricy,Rc Pereira

doi:10.1590/s1519-69842013000300006

Abstract

Benthic marine organisms are constantly exposed to fouling, which is harmful to most host species. Thus, the production of secondary metabolites containing antifouling properties is an important ecological advantage for sessile organisms and may also provide leading compounds for the development of antifouling paints. High antifouling potential of sponges has been demonstrated in the Indian and Pacific oceans and in the Caribbean and Mediterranean seas. Brazilian sponges remain understudied concerning antifouling activities. Only two scientific articles reported this activity in sponges of Brazil. The objective of this study was to test crude extracts of twelve species of sponges from Brazil against the attachment of the mussel Perna perna through laboratorial assays, and highlight promising species for future studies. The species Petromica citrina, Amphimedon viridis, Desmapsamma anchorata, Chondrosia sp., Polymastia janeirensis, Tedania ignis, Aplysina fulva, Mycale angulosa, Hymeniacidon heliophila, Dysidea etheria, Tethya rubra, and Tethya maza were frozen and freeze-dried before extraction with acetone or dichloromethane. The crude extract of four species significantly inhibited the attachment of byssus: Tethya rubra (p = 0.0009), Tethya maza (p = 0.0039), Petromica citrina (p = 0.0277), and Hymeniacidon heliophila (p = 0.00003). These species, specially, should be the target of future studies to detail the substances involved in the ability antifouling well as to define its amplitude of action.

Highlights

Benthic marine organisms are constantly affected by the settlement of larvae, propagules and microorganisms on their surface (Railkin, 2003; Harder, 2009)
Sponges often live in habitats with high level of spatial competition, such as coral reefs, but most sponge species have their surface free of fouling organisms (Rutzler, 1978; Diaz and Rutzler, 2001; Cedro et al, 2007)
The aim of this study is perform a screening for antifouling activity of twelve abundant sponge species from NE and SE Brazil, and point out promising species for further and more detailed investigations

Summary

Introduction

Benthic marine organisms are constantly affected by the settlement of larvae, propagules and microorganisms on their surface (Railkin, 2003; Harder, 2009). Sponges often live in habitats with high level of spatial competition, such as coral reefs, but most sponge species have their surface free of fouling organisms (Rutzler, 1978; Diaz and Rutzler, 2001; Cedro et al, 2007). The presence of biofouling over the surface of a benthic organism may. 501-506 increase competition by space or food supply and may affect growth and reproduction (Jackson and Buss, 1975; Orth and van Montfrans, 1984). Secondary metabolites may prevent or reduce this type of interaction, representing an important ecological advantage for benthic marine organisms (da Gama et al, 2008)

Objectives

Methods

Results