Application of Quorum Quenching to Inhibit Biofilm Formation

Biofouling due to biofilm formation on surfaces is recognized as the most serious problem in membrane processes. Quorum sensing (QS) mechanisms are mediated by small diffusible molecules called autoinduzers, usually N-acyl homoserine lactones (AHLs) in Gram-negative bacteria and are involved in the formation of biofilm. In the current study, the AHL-degrading enzyme, Acylase I (Porcine kidney) was tested to inhibit biofilm formation by environmental strains of bacteria. Preliminary studies with pure AHL revealed that there was considerable degradation of the AHL with 5-60 mu g/mL of Acylase I, as indicated in the thin-layer chromatography (TLC)-Biosensor strain method. The applicability of Acylase I in the prevention of biofilm formation was tested on three different surfaces. Acylase I reduced biofilm formation by Aeromonas hydrophila and Pseudomonas putida on borosilicate (36 and 23%), polystyrene (60 and 73%), and the reverse osmosis (RO) membrane (20 and 24%). This is the first report on the potential of Acylase I to reduce of biofilm formation by environmental strains of biofouling bacteria. Further experiments are warranted to gain a better understanding on the practicality of this technology for biofouling control in membrane systems.