The team has developed a novel living biocomposite material, known as Bacterial Reef Ink (BRINK). This innovative material helps accelerate coral reef restoration by luring coral larvae to attach to it. This novel photopolymerized hydrogel, which presents tunable biochemical and physical properties, is comprised of two native Hawaiian bacterial strains, Cellulophaga lytica and Thalassotalea euphylliae. These microbes help belly corals attract and induce larvae to settle and establish themselves.
Led by environmental engineer Daniel Wangpraseurt, this team created the living material with the hope of improving coral reef restoration practices. These plugs were combined with rapid light assisted cross linking techniques as part of BRINK’s calcium carbonate (CaCO3) based approach to plugging. This unique combination produces an excellent environment for larval attachment. The exploration identified two promising bacterial strains harvested from the tissues of coral species Montipora capitata and the surrounding marine biofilm. Instead, they made sure that the material they collected matched perfectly with the local ecosystem.
Understanding Bacterial Reef Ink
Bacterial Reef Ink is a big step forward in the use of biotechnology for ecological restoration. The hydrogel serves as a nurturing supporting matrix for the two bacterial strains. This family of strains has been shown to stimulate settlement in coral larvae. By using these strains in combination with calcium carbonate, the researchers set out to recreate mineralizing conditions found in nature that stimulate coral growth.
While there are myriad options, we purposefully chose Cellulophaga lytica, dubbed HI1, for its remarkable demonstrated benefits to aquatic environments. Thalassotalea euphylliae, or H1 for short, provides important benefits to these ecosystems. They contribute significantly to shaping a hospitable environment for the coral larvae. This attempt increases the likelihood of successful reattachment and fosters additional development.
A recent study published in PNAS Nexus illustrates just how powerful BRINK can be. Even better, the study showcases the potential positive effect this new tool can have on coral reef ecosystems. Our piece showcases the development of this incredible bacterial ink. This groundbreaking new development provides a ray of hope to coral reefs facing an unprecedented global crisis.
The Role of Calcium Carbonate and Light-Assisted Techniques
The incorporation of calcium carbonate plugs into the BRINK system is an important part of how the system works. Calcium carbonate is a naturally occurring inorganic compound that provides structural integrity to coral larvae. It is essential to the overall health of coral reefs. Through the addition of this material, the researchers hope to increase the substrate’s attractiveness to incoming larvae.
These rapid light-assisted cross-linking techniques instantaneously harden the hydrogel. It does so by providing long-term stabilization of the living material with both active monitoring and presentation resilient to dynamic environmental conditions. As a result, this approach cuts the production pipeline in half. It helps to maintain the bacterial strains in their active and viable forms, in order to effectively lure larvae.
These cutting-edge practices make BRINK an exciting and pioneering option for coral restoration initiatives. It focuses on places experiencing the highest levels of ecological harm.
Implications for Coral Reef Restoration
If the new Bacterial Reef Ink proves as effective as it seems, it can change the way we think about coral restoration. Coral reefs are being decimated by climate change, pollution, and overfishing. We need new and better ways to attract larvae to settle to safeguard these essential habitats. BRINK provides a new, exciting opportunity to rehabilitate damaged reefs and improve their resilience to future threats.
By promoting healthier coral populations through targeted bacterial attraction, this study could help protect biodiverse coral reefs, which are vital marine ecosystems. Their implications extend well beyond the borders of their communities. Healthy coral reefs enhance biodiversity, sustain local fisheries, and protect coastal communities from harmful erosion.