Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 13, 2025

Author Spotlight: Advancing Anaerobic Microbiota Research Using a Novel Respirometry Protocol
Published on: April 26, 2024
Role of quorum sensing and quorum quenching in anaerobic digestion: A scoping review
Parthiban Anburajan1, Roent Dune Cayetano1, You Mit Prohim2
1Department of Environmental Engineering, Seoul National University of Science and Technology, Seoul, South Korea; Institute of Environmental Technology, Seoul National University of Science and Technology, Seoul, South Korea.
Abstract:
Anaerobic digestion (AD) is a biological process that employs anaerobic microorganisms to degrade organic material, yielding biogas and biofertilizers. Understanding quorum sensing (QS) signaling in mixed microbial systems provides valuable insights into microbial behavior and functions. This review aims to examine recent studies on the roles of QS and QQ in the AD processes. A QS signal molecule, N-acyl homoserine lactone (AHL), induce the production of extraceluller polymers, promoting biofilm formation and bacterial aggregation, thereby the efficiency of AD process. QS-assisted granule formation fosters syntrophy between acetogens and methanogens, leading to increased organic removal and methane production. Specific AHLs were shown to be correlated with the abundance of hydrolytic bacteria and acidogens, further benefiting methane production. QQ was shown to effectively control membrane fouling in anaerobic membrane bioreactors, yet its impact on methane productivity remains unclear. This review shed lights on the existing literature gaps regarding the mechanisms of QS and QQ in AD systems, which will play a vital role in advancing AD applications in the future.
Related Concept Videos
Gene Regulation in Microbial Communities: Quorum Sensing
Bacterial Signaling
Metabolism of Chemolithotrophs
Environmental Applications of Microorganisms
Overview of Archaea

