Microbial Quorum Sensing: Unlocking Sustainable Animal Production and Beyond

Quorum sensing (QS) is a unique form of communication that exists among microbial communities. This system enables microbial cells to achieve behavioral coordination by generating and perceiving specific QS signaling molecules. This “chemical dialogue” allows microorganisms to synchronously express specific genes, thereby regulating group-level functions such as biofilm formation, virulence factor production, antibiotic biosynthesis, and metabolic coordination. Recently, the livestock industry has faced a multitude of challenges, including antibiotic resistance, environmental impact, and production efficiency. QS-based technologies have emerged as novel strategies to address these challenges simultaneously. It is important to note that a key principle of this strategy is that treatments should focus on regulating and modulating microbial QS systems rather than broadly inhibiting them. Therefore, the application of QS-based technologies provides new technical approaches to address core challenges in sustainable livestock production, including alternatives to antibiotics, improved farming efficiency, and environmentally friendly management. Moreover, it contributes to the achievement of carbon neutrality objectives by reducing methane emissions in ruminants through targeted inhibition of methanogen QS. This review systematically examines the biosynthesis mechanisms and regulatory features of the three core QS signaling molecules, with a focus on their practical applications in monogastric animal production, ruminant production, and aquatic animal production. It also explores the interdisciplinary innovative applications of QS-based technologies across multiple fields. By analyzing current research limitations and industrialization bottlenecks, this review outlines key future research directions and development challenges, aiming to provide a reference for the widespread application of QS-based technologies in animal production.