Salicylic Acid and Its Boron Complexes as Quorum Sensing Molecules

This perspective provides a comprehensive review of salicylic acid (SA) and its boron complexes, emphasizing their biological significance. Research suggests that SA forms boron complexes with water-soluble compounds, including sugars, glycerol, and organic acids, aiding in its systemic transport in plants via xylem and phloem saps. Moreover, SA possesses antibacterial properties, while its boron complexes display quorum sensing inhibition and antibiofilm activity. Through an in silico study using the self-consistent extreme classifier (SCEC), we analyzed the effects of these compounds on quorum sensing and biofilm formation. Our findings indicate that combining salicylic and boric acid derivatives may enhance their potential as quorum sensing modulators. Interestingly, certain compounds exhibited both inhibitory and activating effects, corroborating prior experimental observations on SA's dual role in biofilm regulation. Crucially, boron complexes enhance the biological activities of both salicylic acid and its conjugates with organic acids (e.g., malic, citric acids, or sugars). These complexes inhibit bacterial quorum sensing, blocking important signaling pathways in bacteria. This approach offers a new way to control bacterial pathogens without directly killing them. This could reduce the selective pressure for antibiotic resistance as these complexes enhance the antibacterial activity of SA.