Quorum Sensing: Unravelling the Intricacies of Microbial Communication for Biofilm Formation, Biogeochemical Cycling, and Biotechnological Applications

Abstract

The marine environment possesses diverse and complex characteristics, representing a significant challenge for microbial survival. Therefore, bacteria must develop adaptive mechanisms to thrive in such environments. Quorum sensing (QS), a well-established phenomenon in microorganisms, involves the communication between cells through chemical signals, which is dependent on cell density. Extensive research has been conducted on this microbial ability, encompassing the early stages of understanding QS to the latest advancements in the identification and characterization of its mechanisms. This minireview comprehensively examines the role of QS in various aspects, including biofilm formation, virulence in pathogenic bacteria, such as Vibrio spp. And Pseudomonas spp., as well as its influence on biogeochemical cycling in deep-sea environments. Furthermore, future progress in the field will be achieved by combining state-of-the-art methods for observing QS in the deep sea with a deeper understanding of the underlying processes, which will facilitate the engineering of microorganisms for improved degradation of persistent environmental pollutants and other biotechnological applications.