| one publication added to basket [294847] | Biofouling control by quorum quenching
|
| Auteurs | | Top |
- Kalia, V.C.
- Kumar, P.
- Pandian, S.T.K.
- Sharma, P.
|
|
|
| Abstract |
Bacteria above a threshold cell density regulate the expression of a specific group of their genes in response to small signal molecules called autoinducers. This twitter communication phenomenon is called quorum sensing (QS). Among the various genetic expressions mediated by QS , biofilm formation and expression of virulence factors are the most prominent. These phenotypes are a major cause of concern for health departments and a wide range of industries dealing especially with drinking water, waste water reclamation, and desalination. This phenomenon leads to heavy economic losses. Efforts to disrupt biofilms have met with little success. In fact, bacteria within the biofilms are times more resistant to antibiotics than their planktonic counterparts. Biosensors or reporter strains have been developed to screen QS inhibitors. A potential approach to inhibit the process of biofouling is to interfere with bacterial QS signals. QS inhibiting enzymes and molecules have been isolated from a wide range of organisms such as bacteria, fungi, algae, and marine organisms. Efforts to disrupt biofilm formation have been carried out through designing antifouling agents that primarily reduce surface adhesion of the organisms. These include fouling release coatings such as nanocomposites. In contrast to removing biofilms, there are certain areas where it is desirable to regenerate biofilm for a fresh round of biotransformation. |
|
