Device to Attract and Trap Motile Aquatic Pathogens

The Caribbean region is considered a coral disease hotspot, with over 20 documented diseases and syndromes affecting over 20 species of corals. One motile marine pathogen family, Vibrionaceae, which is responsible for 50% of coral diseases, is strongly thermodependent, thus warming sea-surface temperatures, driven by pollution and global climate change, are in part responsible for this rise in coral disease. Coral diseases are not only potentially lethal to coral colonies, but also impact reproduction and growth causing cascading effects on community assemblages, species diversity, abundance and reef functional regime. Without disease mitigation approaches, it is estimated that up to 90% of tropical and subtropical reefs will be lost by 2050, having profound effects on global biodiversity, coastal community stability and food security, and more.

 

Professor Liza Roger at Arizona State University has developed a novel device to attract and trap aquatic pathogens to reduce abundance and virulence on coral reefs. This device utilizes novel chemoattractants to bait the pathogens while at the same time leverages biochemical engineering to block pathogen signaling. This environmentally friendly device diverts motile pathogens away from coral colonies and disrupts pathogen communication to reduce virulence.

 

This device represents a real-world solution which could be deployed worldwide to slow down or even prevent the progression of coral diseases threatening these ecosystems.

 

Potential Applications

Benefits and Advantages

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