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Autoinducer-2 bioassay is a qualitative, not quantitative method influenced by glucose
Yevgeniy Turovskiy1, Michael L Chikindas
1Department of Food Science, Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ 08901, USA.
Journal of Microbiological Methods
|March 28, 2006
Summary
Glucose interference in autoinducer-2 (AI-2) bioassays can yield false-positive quorum sensing results. Even with controls, the method
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Autoinducer-2 (AI-2) is a quorum sensing molecule in prokaryotes.
- AI-2 is typically detected using a Vibrio harveyi bioluminescence bioassay.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of glucose on AI-2 bioassays.
- To evaluate the reliability of AI-2 detection methods.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a Vibrio harveyi reporter strain.
- Assessed bioluminescence in the presence of varying glucose concentrations.
Main Results:
- Glucose, even at sub-inhibitory levels, can cause false-positive AI-2 readings.
- The AI-2 bioassay exhibits high variability, limiting quantitative interpretation.
Conclusions:
- Glucose interference is a critical, often overlooked, factor in AI-2 bioassays.
- The current AI-2 bioassay is only suitable for qualitative analysis due to significant limitations.