Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 11, 2026

Anti-virulent Disruption of Pathogenic Biofilms using Engineered Quorum-quenching Lactonases
Published on: January 1, 2016
Simulation-Based Exploration of Quorum Sensing Triggered Resistance of Biofilms to Antibiotics
Maryam Ghasemi1, Burkhard A Hense2, Hermann J Eberl3
1Department of Mathematics and Statistics, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, N1G2W1, Canada. mghasemi@uoguelph.ca.
Abstract:
We present a mathematical model of biofilm response to antibiotics, controlled by a quorum sensing system that confers increased resistance. The model is a highly nonlinear system of partial differential equations that we investigate in computer simulations. Our results suggest that an adaptive, quorum sensing-controlled, mechanism to switch between modes of fast growth with little protection and protective modes of slow growth may confer benefits to biofilm populations. It enhances the formation of micro-niches in the inner regions of the biofilm in which bacteria are not easily reached by antibiotics. Whereas quorum sensing inhibitors can delay the onset of increased resistance, their advantage is lost after up-regulation. This emphasizes the importance of timing for treatment of biofilms with antibiotics.
Related Concept Videos
Gene Regulation in Microbial Communities: Quorum Sensing
Development of Antibiotic Resistance
Antibiotic Selection
The Sense of Self: Reflected Self-Appraisal and Social Comparison
Biofilms
Introduction to Special Senses

