Applications of quorum sensing in biotechnology |
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Authors: | Swati Choudhary Claudia Schmidt-Dannert |
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Institution: | (1) Department of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology and Biophysics, University of Minnesota, 140 Gortner Laboratory, St. Paul, MN 55108, USA; |
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Abstract: | Many unicellular microorganisms use small signaling molecules to determine their local concentration. The processes involved
in the production and recognition of these signals are collectively known as quorum sensing (QS). This form of cell–cell communication
is used by unicellular microorganisms to co-ordinate their activities, which allows them to function as multi-cellular systems.
Recently, several groups have demonstrated artificial intra-species and inter-species communication through synthetic circuits
which incorporate components of bacterial QS systems. Engineered QS-based circuits have a wide range of applications such
as production of biochemicals, tissue engineering, and mixed-species fermentations. They are also highly useful in designing
microbial biosensors to identify bacterial species present in the environment and within living organisms. In this review,
we first provide an overview of bacterial QS systems and the mechanisms developed by bacteria and higher organisms to obstruct
QS communications. Next, we describe the different ways in which researchers have designed QS-based circuits and their applications
in biotechnology. Finally, disruption of quorum sensing is discussed as a viable strategy for preventing the formation of
harmful biofilms in membrane bioreactors and marine transportation. |
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