Combatting antibiotic resistance by exploring the promise of Quorum Quenching in targeting bacterial virulence

The escalating global crisis of antibiotic resistance demands innovative approaches to overcome the limitations of conventional antimicrobial therapies. Quorum Sensing (QS) is a mechanism of microbial communication through extracellular chemical signals and is responsible for the regulation of crucial processes such as sporulation, biofilm production, and virulence. As such, QS inhibition has emerged as a promising alternative strategy to inhibit important bacterial functions, without exerting direct selective pressure on bacterial growth. Here, we highlight the use of Quorum Quenching (QQ) mechanisms, including quorum sensing inhibitors (QSIs) derived from bioactive chemicals and essential oils of plants, as a means to control infections and discuss the practical challenges associated with implementing QQ in real-world settings, including delivery methods, dosages, and compatibility with existing treatments. Despite these challenges, ongoing research in QQ continues to explore innovative approaches to overcome these obstacles and harness the potential of disrupting bacterial communication for therapeutic and biotechnological applications. • An updated assessment of antibiotic resistance and critical molecular genes for QS. • QQ as the alternative approach against antibiotic resistance. • Current knowledge and research on QSI. • Positive and negative aspects for QQ.