Quorum quenching: role of nanoparticles as signal jammers in Gram-negative bacteria

Abstract

Quorum sensing (QS) is a cell density dependent regulatory process that uses signaling molecules to manage the expression of virulence genes and biofilm formation. The study of QS inhibitors has emerged as one of the most fascinating areas of research to discover novel antimicrobial agents. Compounds that block QS have become candidates as unusual antimicrobial agents, as they are leading players in the regulation of virulence of drug-resistant pathogens. Metal and metal oxide nanoparticles offer novel alternatives to combat antibiotic resistance in Gram-negative bacteria aiming their capacity as QS inhibitors. This review provides an insight into the quorum quenching potential of metal and metal oxide nanoparticles by targeting QS regulated virulence of Gram-negative bacteria.