A REPLICA METHOD FOR THE STUDY OF MARINE BIOFILMS

A replica method involving the use of a polyvinylsiloxane impression m aterial with a resin cast, particularly suitable in the study of marin e biofilms, is described. The technique has advantages over other meth ods in that it is quick, non-toxic, non-destructive and inexpensive. R eplicas of critical-point dried eggcases of the dogfish Scyliorhinus c anicula (L.) (Elasmobranchii: Squaliformes) showed the replica to be t rue down to the size of bacteria. It was also possible to replicate la rger areas such as patches of living barnacles on an intertidal rock.