Project Code : P9090101

Project Title : Evalution of Indian Horseshoe Crab for the Presence of Antifouling Compounds

Key Words : Horseshoe Crab , Antifouling compounds

Area of Research : Antifouling

Category : GAP-0812

Status : Ongoing

Sponsoring Agency :

Collaborating Agencies :

Date of Commencement : November, 1996

Date of Completion : November, 1999

Estimated Total Cost : 1,62,000/-

Project Leader :

• Dr. A. Chatterji
• Dr. A. C. Anil

Project Team :

• Dr. C. T. Achuthankutty
• Dr. C. Raghukumar
• Dr. Vijaykumar
• Shri K. Venkat
• Shri R.A. Sreepada
• Dr. J. Patil
• Shri A. Roy
• Ms L . Fernandes

Objectives/ Scope of the Project :

i ) Evalution of biofouling potential in the habitat of the Horseshoe Crab .

ii ) evalution of the Horseshoe Crab for the presence of antifouling compounds.

iii ) Culture of the Horseshoe Crab under simulated conditions for sustainable source of raw materials.

v ) Field observations of Horseshoe crab for their ectocommensal population in nature.

Present Status : Project work initiated for evaluation of biofouling potential at a natural habitat of the horseshoe crab situated at Balasore (Orissa )

Work Plan with Phases/ Milestones :

( Nov. 1996- Oct.1997 )

1.Evaluation of biofouling potential in the natural habitat of the horseshoe crab.

2. Evalution of ectocommensal population of the horseshoe crab.

3. Setting up culture system for the rearing of the horseshoe crab.

( Nov. 1997- Oct 1998 )

4. Screening of the horseshoe crab for the presence of potential antifouling compounds.

( Oct. 1998- Nov. 1999 )

5. Assay of antifouling compounds ( assays of antifouling compounds with bacteria, diatoms and larve of the fouling organisms ).

Expected S & T Output :

• Technologies : a)Antifouling compounds sourcing b)Rearing of Horseshoe crab
• Intellectual Property Rights : Patent for Antifouling compounds
• Socio-economic importance :
• Scientific importance : Antifouling strategies which are eco-friendly will be addressed through this effort.