ABSTRACT
Nano scale materials have unique physicochemical and optical properties due to their small particle size. They are finding increased application in the field of therapeutics and diagnostics. The antimicrobial properties of nanomaterials have been well investigated. The growth inhibitory mechanism of nanomaterials has been attributed to the metal ion release, reactive oxygen species generation, and other non-oxidative causes. There is a growing interest in studying the effect of nanoparticles on quorum sensing signaling mechanisms in bacterial pathogens at sub-inhibitory concentrations to develop alternative therapeutics. Quorum sensing (QS) modulates biofilm formation and virulence factor production in most of the pathogenic bacteria. Targeting QS can attenuate the virulence of pathogens without inhibiting their growth. QS inhibition can be achieved by inhibiting signal synthesis, disrupting signal reception, and degradation of signal molecules. A number of plant derived compounds, bioactives from microbes, and synthetic molecules have been tested for QS inhibition. However, their clinical application has certain limitations which could be overcome by use of nanotechnological approaches. This chapter focuses on the recent developments in the use of nanomaterials for QS inhibitory activity and their ability to reduce pathogenicity and biofilm formation in bacteria. The potential application of the QS inhibitory nanomaterials as novel therapeutics, food intervention, and antibiofouling agents has also been discussed.
