Inhibition of Quorum Sensing Mechanism and Aeromonas hydrophila Biofilm Formation by Vanillin

High-quality drinking water is obtained using membrane technology. Biofilm development lowers filtration efficacy and eventually membranes must be replaced. In natural environments, a micro-organism produces different kinds of quorum sensing (QS) molecules resulting in biofilm formation and biofouling. Biological fouling is a major problem in desalination and water purification plants. Biofilm formation can be reduced using eco-friendly substances in the drinking water system based on quorum sensing inhibition (QSI). Vanillin (4-hydroxy-3-methoxybenzaldehyde), a well-known food flavoring agent, was studied for its QSI property against different individual acyl homoserine lactone (AHL) molecules using bio indicator strains. Vanillin showed significant inhibition in short-chain [C4-HSL (69%) and 3-Oxo-C8-HSL (59.8%)] and long-chain AHL molecules. QSI activity was tested on a reverse osmosis (RO) membrane biofilm bacteria Aeromonas hydrophila. Biofilm formation was inhibited up to 46.3% on polystyrene surface. Results suggested that Vanillin could be used as a potential QSI compound that reduces the biofilm formation on RO membranes.