Bacterial Quorum Sensing and Food: A Review

The discovery that bacteria are able to communicate with each other has changed our perceptions of many single
organisms that inhabit our world. Bacteria cells communicate among themselves using low-molecular-weight
compounds called autoinduceres, through what is known as quorum sensing (QS), a cell density-dependent signaling
system. The principle components of the QS circuit are; two regulatory genes LuxI and LuxR and the target operon
which are usually composed of different genes. Quorum sensing enables bacteria to coordinate their behaviour which
involved in some bacterial activities. Overall bacteria may use QS for their growth, survival and virulence in food
environments. So, targeting QS may be an effective approach against bacterial proliferation and virulence.
Food spoilage is a complex process, excessive amounts of foods are lost due to the microbial spoilage. Several
proteolytic, lipolytic, chitinolytic and pectinolytic activities associated with the deterioration of foods are regulated
by QS. Several types of autoinducers (AI), have been detected in different spoiled food products. So, disrupt the QS
circuit plays a major role in controlling microbial gene expression related to human infection and food spoilage. The
QS inhibitors can be developed that are targeted toward inhibiting the synthesis of the autoinducer molecules or block
these signaling systems. Thus, it can lead to prevention of food spoilage, biofilm formation and food born pathogens.