Mucilage acts to adhere cyanobacteria and cultured plant cells to biological and inert surfaces

Abstract The surfaces of cells of several species of cyanobacteria have been studied using low-temperature scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and have been shown to be covered in a layer of hydrated mucilage. This mucilage is observed in specimens of Anabaena azollae adhering to plant cells in their natural symbiotic niche (the cavity of the fronds of Azolla species) and in samples of the various species of cyanobacteria immobilised on polyurethane and polyvinyl support matrices. The mucilage appears to maintain the close contact observed between the cyanobacteria and these surfaces. Comparable films observed surrounding plant cells immobilised on similar polymeric surfaces are considered to be performing a similar function.