Quorum sensing in food microbiology

Abstract

In the last few decades, our perception of bacteria and their communities has changed significantly. In the past, the prevailing opinion was that bacterial communities represent a population of cells that act individually. Today, there is a well-documented fact that the mechanism of intercellular communication, known as "quorum sensing", plays an important role in controlling various cellular processes of bacteria such as bioluminescence, virulence, tolerance to disinfectants, sporulation, motility, biofilm formation and antimicrobial resistance. Understanding the intercellular communication system gives the possibility to control the growth of undesirable bacteria in the food matrix and to develop a new strategy in ensuring the food quality and safety.