About this Book

Background

Bacteria use quorum sensing (QS) circuits to coordinate various activities (among

which biofilm formation and the expression of virulence factors) based on the

presence of signaling molecules. Different families of signal molecules have been

identified in Gram positive and Gram negative bacteria (e.g. autoinducer peptides and

acyl homoserine lactones). Similarly, different quorum sensing antagonists interfering

with these system have been found in nature, promoting a new and promising

field of research, quorum sensing interference. One of the most intensively studied

applications of quorum sensing interference is its use as an alternative or synergycally

with antibiotics to fight (antibiotic-resistant) bacterial pathogens. Many studies have

been published claiming quorum sensing inhibitory activity of natural and synthetic

compounds. However, after decades of research, several questions regarding

the suitability of this approach to fight bacterial pathogens remain unanswered,

including the risk that pathogens will develop resistance against quorum quenching.

Meanwhile, the interest in quorum sensing has increased considerably, and this has

broadened the fields where it can find biotechnological, environmental and industrial

applications, such as anti biofouling, steering fermentations, bioremediation and

wastewater treatment.

Goal and scope

The goal of this Research Topic is to broaden the knowledge of the phenotypes

regulated by quorum sensing and the advances in quorum sensing interference.

Deciphering microorganism language and the different phenotypes regulated by

microbial signalling systems is a frontier for the development of new tools for the

management of microorganisms to fulfil human needs with a broad application in

different areas such as medicine, environmental sciences and industry.