Quorum sensing is the intercellular communication used by a bacterial population, once it reaches a certain threshold, to collectively synchronize the expression of pathogenic traits, such as biofilm formation, swarming motility, and the production of virulence factors. This coordinated behaviour is mediated via small molecules called auto-inducers. In quorum sensing research, the aim is to inhibit quorum sensing molecular mechanisms, which could provide an alternative to the conventional antibiotic control of infections. Several natural (such as coumarin, curcumin, and garlic) and synthetic compounds have been suggested as quorum sensing inhibitors.

peer-reviewed