ABSTRACT
An increasing number of studies are aimed at the investigation of the surface chemistry of seaweeds. The broader goal is often to understand macroalga–epibiont interactions and to isolate and identify compounds that regulate these interactions. The extraction of ecologically relevant surface compounds for analytical tests and biological assays requires approaches that do not disrupt the membranes of epidermal or subepidermal cells, as only surface-associated compounds will affect epibionts. The sensitivities of different seaweed species to surface extraction techniques are variable and need to be individually developed. This chapter provides a general protocol for the development of nondetrimental surface extraction techniques.
Keywords: Biosurface, macrophyte, seaweed, surface estimation, surface extraction
