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AHL-mediated quorum sensing drives plastisphere formation and elevates pathogenic potential
Jie Wang1, Lijia Lu1, Yuanze Sun2
1College of Resources and Environmental Sciences, China Agricultural University, Haidian District, Beijing 100193, China.
The ISME Journal
|March 24, 2026
Summary
Quorum sensing (QS) drives the formation of the plastisphere, a biofilm on plastic debris. This process, mediated by acyl-homoserine lactones (AHLs), influences microbial communities and increases pathogen potential in microplastic pollution.
Area of Science:
- Environmental microbiology
- Molecular ecology
- Biotechnology
Background:
- Plastic pollution is a global concern, leading to the formation of the plastisphere biofilm on debris.
- The biological mechanisms driving plastisphere development are not well understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of quorum sensing (QS) in plastisphere formation.
- To determine how acyl-homoserine lactone (AHL)-mediated QS influences microbial community structure and function on microplastics.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of public global metagenomes to identify QS and biofilm-related genes.
- Controlled microfluidic and tubular column experiments using exogenous AHL and AHL acylase.
- Multi-omics analyses (metagenomics, transcriptomics) to assess gene expression and community structure.
Main Results:
- Metagenomic data showed enrichment of QS and biofilm formation genes, particularly AHL-QS.
- Exogenous AHL significantly promoted plastisphere formation, biomass, and extracellular polymeric substance production.
- AHLs transcriptionally activated genes for adhesion, motility, chemotaxis, and matrix production, altering community structure and microbial interactions.
- AHL stimulation increased pathogen-associated functions and virulence potential within the plastisphere.
Conclusions:
- AHL-mediated QS is a key driver of plastisphere assembly and community development.
- QS influences the ecological role and potential health risks associated with microplastic biofilms.
- Understanding QS mechanisms is crucial for mitigating the environmental and health impacts of plastic pollution.
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