Chapter 26 - Phytochemicals in downregulation of quorum sensing

Abstract

With the persistent rising multidrug-resistant bacterial infections, researchers and health professionals are always looking for alternate therapeutics and new drugs to control the infection in clinical settings. Biofilm, one of the major contributors to antimicrobial resistance, is characterized by an aggregate of microorganisms that are well-protected and regulated by an extracellular matrix. Its growth and dispersal and the mechanism behind its stability are a concern of scientists for decades. Quorum sensing is a critical phenomenon in biofilm development mainly in multidrug-resistant bacteria. It is the main parameter that controls biofilm inhibition. Anti-quorum quenchers from natural sources are a prospective approach to control biofilm formation and control its aggression. Bioactive compounds from plants can be a promising source for prevention of biofilm formation and its dispersal. A combination therapy of antibiotics and anti-biofilm bioactive compounds acts synergistically and is more effective. Insilco drug discovery approaches for novel anti-biofilm phytochemicals along with in vivo and in vitro studies and their strategic evolution also play important roles in understanding the mechanism of biofilm formation and eradication. This chapter focuses on how phytochemicals work more efficiently in inhibiting quorum sensing and the underlying mechanism behind the synergistic effect.