Bacteria use a cell-to-cell communication system called quorum sensing (QS) to share information about cell density and adjust gene expression accordingly. This article explains BASF studies into how natural plant extracts are able to quench QS signals from P. aeruginosa and S. aureus. Then, it checked if their effect on QS was followed by a decrease in virulence, determined by both bacteria motility and lipase secretion
Bacteria use a cell-to-cell communication system called quorum sensing (QS) to share information about cell density and adjust gene expression accordingly.1 QS controls genes that direct activities that are beneficial when performed by groups of bacteria acting in synchrony.2
Processes controlled by QS include antibiotic production, biofilm formation, and virulence factor secretion are responsible for harmful bacterial expression in body and on human skin. QS systems rely on the production and sensing of extracellular signals.1
In our investigations, we focused on two bacteria. The first one is Pseudomonas aeruginosa, a gram-negative-bacteria, known to be involved in skin infection, in green nail syndrome and less severe conditions like folliculitis, and skin rashes.
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