Abstract
A new method for collecting barnacle cement in the liquid state is described. This permits studies on the transformation of cement from liquid to solid states not heretofore possible. Preliminary analyses showed that polymerization, i.e., the in vitro change from a clear liquid to an opaque solid mass is not affected by temperatures ranging from-10° to 45°C, by diluting with distilled water up to two-fold, or by treating with selective enzymes; some chemical inhibitors induce the formation of a white precipitate, possibly indicating denaturation of the protein. It is concluded that the liquid cement contains all the necessary components for self-assembly, progressively changing from a clear liquid to an opaque rubbery insoluble mass. The polymerization process is time-dependent and requires no exogenous catalyst. A mechanism that may be involved in the adhesion process of the barnacle is suggested.
Similar content being viewed by others
Literature Cited
Baier, R.E.: Surface properties influencing biological adhesion. In: Adhesion in biological systems, pp 15–48. Ed. by R.S. Manly. New York & London: Academic Press 1970
Barnes, H. and J. Blackstock: The biochemical composition of the cement of a pedunculate cirripede. J. exp. mar. Biol. Ecol. 16, 87–91 (1974)
Bornstein, P., H.P. Ehrlich and A.W. Wyke: Procollagen: conversion of the precursor to collagen by a neutral protease. Science, N.Y. 175, 544–546 (1972)
Bowen, J.H.: Dental cement from marine sources, 31 pp. First Annual Progress Report. Philadelphia, Pa.: Franklin Institute Research Laboratories, 1971 (Report No. NIH 70-2238)
Cheung, P.J. and R.F. Nigrelli: Histochemical analyses of the fluid and the solid state of the adhesive materials produced by the preand postmetamorphosed cyprids of Balanus eburneus Gould. Zoologica, N.Y. 57 (2), 79–95 (1972)
Cheung, P.J., G.D. Ruggieri and R.F. Nigrelli: Biogenesis and chemistry of the adhesive substance secreted by the cyprid and metamorphosed stages of the barnacle Balanus, 39 pp. AD-A Report, AD-A012595, U.S. Naval Technical Information Services 1974
Cook, M.: Composition of mussel and barnacle deposits at the attachment interface. In: Adhesion in biological systems, pp 139–150. Ed. by R.S. Manly. New York & London: Academic Press 1970
Ehrlich, P.E. and P. Bornstein: Microtubules in transcellular movement of procollagen. Nature new Biol. 238, 257–260 (1972)
Lapiere, C.H.: The molecular basis of connective tissue pathology. Br. J. Derm. 89, 87–91 (1973)
Lazarides, E. and L.N. Lukens: Collagen polypeptides: normal release from polysomes in the absence of proline hydroxylation. Science, N.Y. 173, 723–725 (1971)
Lindner, E. and C.A. Dooley: Chemical bonding in cirriped adhesive. In: Proceedings of Third International congress on Marine Corrosion and Fouling, pp 653–673. Gaithersburg, Maryland, National Bureau of Standards, USA: 1973
Otness, J.S. and D.G. Medcalf: Chemical and physical characterization of the barnacle cement. Comp. Biochem. Physiol. 43B, 443–449 (1972)
Saroyan, J.R., E. Lindner and C.A. Dooley: Repair and reattachment in the Balanidae as related to their cement mechanism. Biol. Bull. mar. biol. Lab., Woods Hole 139, 333–350 (1970a)
——— and H.R. Bleile: Barnacle cement: key to 2nd generation antifouling coatings. Ind. Engng Chem. prod. Res. Dev. 9, 122–133 (1970b)
Shimony, T. and R.F. Nigrelli: Phenoloxidase activity in the cement apparatus of the adult barnacle, Balanus eburneus Gould, and its possible function in the hardening process of the adhesive substances. Am. Zool. 11, 662–663 (1971)
Tanzar, M.L.: Cross-linking of collagen. Science, N.Y. 180, 561–566 (1973)
Van Duijn, P.: Inactivation experiment on DOPA factor. J. Histochem. Cytochem. 1, 143–150 (1953)
Walker, G.: A study of the cement apparatus of the cypris larva of the barnacle Balanus balanoides. Mar. Biol. 9, 205–212 (1971)
—: The biochemical composition of the cement of two barnacle species, Balanus hameri and Balanus crenatus. J. mar. biol. Ass. U.K. 52, 429–435 (1972)
— and A. Youngson: The biochemical composition of Lepas anatifera (L) cement (Crustacea: Cirripedia). J. mar. biol. Ass. U.K. 55, 703–707 (1975)
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Additional information
Communicated by M.R. Tripp, Newark
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Cheung, P.J., Ruggieri, G.D. & Nigrelli, R.F. A new method for obtaining barnacle cement in the liquid state for polymerization studies. Mar. Biol. 43, 157–163 (1977). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00391263
Accepted:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00391263