Isolation and identification of bacteria from marine biofilms

Abstract

In the marine environment, biofilms cover most of the subtidal and intertidal solid surfaces. Culturable bacteria forming marine biofilms were isolated on artificial substrate called acrylic coupons. The bacterial isolates were identified through a comparison of 16S rDNA sequences. A total of 115 strains were cultured and identified, 45 of which showed the same sequences with other strains. Therefore, 70 strains were finally identified. The bacterial isolates belonged to alpha-Proteobacteria (32 isolates), gamma-Proteobacteria (12 isolates), CFB group bacteria (4 isolates), high GC Gram-positive bacteria (9 isolates), and low GC Gram-positive bacteria (13 isolates). The bacterial isolates may be used as standard bacteria to test new antifouling agent. They may also be utilized as useful bacteria to enhance the settlement of commercial algae and invertebrate larvae for aquaculture.