Quorum Sensing

Quorum sensing (QS) is a process of bacterial cooperative behaviour that has an effect on gene regulation. This cell-to-cell communication system involves the production of signalling molecules according to cell density and growth stage. Virulence, the ability to infest a habitat and cause disease, is also governed by such communication signals. Quorum Sensing: Molecular mechanism and biotechnological application collects, describes and summarizes the most interesting results obtained from experts working on QS mechanisms. It contributes to the understanding of the molecular basis that regulates this mechanism, and describes new findings in fields of application. This volume describes the QS mechanism from its molecular basis to medical applications such as antibiotic therapy and involvement of QS in pathologies. This reference also analyzes its potential use in biotechnological applications such as food packaging, drug delivery, and marine biofilm. The broad scope of this title will be of significant use to researchers across several fields with interest in QS, including to microbiologists, chemists, biochemists and ecologists. Describes Quorum Sensing (QS) mechanisms from their molecular basis, to their clinical applications Spans several fields in relation to QS, including microbiology, chemistry, biochemistry and ecology Considers QS as an approach to the discovery of new antibiotics Looks at QS as a means to understand the microbial world and towards use of bacteria and their products in biotechnological applications Summarizes key results on QS mechanisms’ molecular basis and fields of application

Microbial relationships with all life forms can be as free living, symbiotic or pathogenic. Human beings harbor 10 times more microbial cells than their own. Bacteria are found on the skin surface, in the gut and other body parts. Bacteria causing diseases are the most worrisome. Most of the infectious diseases are caused by bacterial pathogens with an ability to form biofilm. Bacteria within the biofilm are up to 1000 times more resistant to antibiotics. This has taken a more serious turn with the evolution of multiple drug resistant bacteria. Health Departments are making efforts to reduce high mortality and morbidity in man caused by them. Bacterial Quorum sensing (QS), a cell density dependent phenomenon is responsible for a wide range of expressions such as pathogenesis, biofilm formation, competence, sporulation, nitrogen fixation, etc. Majority of these organisms that are important for medical, agriculture, aquaculture, water treatment and remediation, archaeological departments are: Aeromonas, Acinetobacter, Bacillus, Clostridia, Enterococcus, Pseudomonas, Vibrio and Yersinia spp. Biosensors and models have been developed to detect QS systems. Strategies for inhibiting QS system through natural and synthetic compounds have been presented here. The biotechnological applications of QS inhibitors (QSIs) in diverse areas have also been dealt with. Although QSIs do not affect growth and are less likely to impose selective pressure on bacteria, however, a few reports have raised doubts on the fate of QSIs. This book addresses a few questions. Will bacteria develop mechanisms to evade QSIs? Are we watching yet another defeat at the hands of bacteria? Or will we be acting intelligently and survive the onslaughts of this Never Ending battle?

The book on Trends in Quorum Sensing and Quorum Quenching: New Perspectives and Applications focuses on the recent advances in the field of quorum sensing in bacteria and the novel strategies developed for quorum sensing inhibition. The topics covered are multidisciplinary and wide-ranging,and includes quorum sensing phenomenon in pathogenic bacteria, food spoilers, and agriculturally relevant bacteria. The applications of quorum sensing inhibitors such as small molecules, bioactives, natural compounds, and quorum quenching enzymes in controlling bacterial infections in clinical settings, agriculture and aquaculture are discussed. The potential use of quorum quenching enzymes for mitigating biofouling is also covered. Special focus is given to exploring quorum sensing inhibitors from microbes and flora inhabiting biodiversity rich regions including tropical rain forests and marine environments. Key features: Covers the fundamental aspects, the progress and challenges in the field of quorum sensing and quorum quenching Reviews quorum sensing in Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria of clinical, agricultural, and industrial relevance Discusses the application and future trends of quorum sensing inhibitors from lab to clinical and environmental settings Provides comprehensive coverage on molecular mechanisms in bacterial signaling

New developments in researching quorum sensing Microbial growth affects industries as diverse as agriculture, engineering, and medicine, to name a few. As more precise solutions are needed for modern challenges, researchers must understand the mechanisms of microbial growth. Quorum sensing (QS) is an essential part of microbial growth, and this work contains key areas such as signal molecules; mechanisms of signal transfer, role, and type of signal receptors; quorum quenching; characterization of microbial plasmids in quorum sensing; and novel and underexplored molecules involved in QS, along with therapeutic roles of quorum sensing inhibitors. This volume is perfect for researchers working on microbiology or biotechnology.

Quorum sensing (QS) is a process of bacterial cooperative behaviour that has an effect on gene regulation. This cell-to-cell communication system involves the production of signalling molecules according to cell density and growth stage. Virulence, the ability to infest a habitat and cause disease, is also governed by such communication signals. Quorum Sensing: Molecular mechanism and biotechnological application collects, describes and summarizes the most interesting results obtained from experts working on QS mechanisms. It contributes to the understanding of the molecular basis that regulates this mechanism, and describes new findings in fields of application. This volume describes the QS mechanism from its molecular basis to medical applications such as antibiotic therapy and involvement of QS in pathologies. This reference also analyzes its potential use in biotechnological applications such as food packaging, drug delivery, and marine biofilm. The broad scope of this title will be of significant use to researchers across several fields with interest in QS, including to microbiologists, chemists, biochemists and ecologists. Describes Quorum Sensing (QS) mechanisms from their molecular basis, to their clinical applications Spans several fields in relation to QS, including microbiology, chemistry, biochemistry and ecology Considers QS as an approach to the discovery of new antibiotics Looks at QS as a means to understand the microbial world and towards use of bacteria and their products in biotechnological applications Summarizes key results on QS mechanisms' molecular basis and fields of application

This fascinating book encourages many microbiologists and students to enter the new world of signal transduction in microbiology. Over the past decade, a vast amount of exciting new information on the signal transduction pathway in bacteria has been unearthed.

The book illustrates the role of quorum sensing in the food industry, agriculture, veterinary sciences, and medicine. It highlights the importance of quorum sensing in regulating diverse cellular functions in microbes, including virulence, pathogenesis, controlled-gene expression systems, and antibiotic resistance. This book also describes the role of quorum sensing in survival behavior and antibiotic resistance in bacteria. Further, it reviews the major role played by quorum sensing in food spoilage, biofilm formation, and food-related pathogenesis. It also explores the methods for the detection and quantification of quorum sensing signals. It also presents antimicrobial and anti-quorum sensing activities of medicinal plants. Finally, the book elucidates a comprehensive yet representative description of basic and applied aspects of quorum sensing inhibitors. This book serves an ideal guide for researchers to understand the implications of quorum sensing in the food industry, medicine, and agriculture.

Fundamentals of Quorum Sensing, Analytical Methods and Applications in Membrane Bioreactors, Volume 81, describes the novelty of membrane bioreactors for the treatment of wastewater and the removal of specific contaminants that affect water quality or pose harm to humans. Topics of note in the updated release include Water Chemistry and Microbiology, Quorum Sensing as Bacterial Communication Language, the Effects of Quorum Sensing, Quorum Quenching, Membrane Bioreactors for Wastewater Treatment, Removal of Specific Contaminants, Microextraction Techniques, and the Determination of Quorum Sensing Chemicals. The contents of this updated volume will be appealing to a wide range of researchers as the authors of most chapters are experts in their respective fields with numerous published studies. Gives an overview of quorum sensing as a communication language for bacteria and quorum quenching mediated approaches to mitigate or eliminate the effects of quorum sensing Presents various sensitive determination methods where a variety of microextraction strategies is used for preconcentration of analyte(s)