Novel linear polymers able to inhibit bacterial quorum sensing

Bacterial phenotypes such as biofilm formation, antibiotic resistance, virulence expression are associated with Quorum Sensing (QS). QS is a density-dependent regulatory system of gene expression controlled by specific signal molecules, such as N-acyl homoserine lactones (AHLs), produced and released by bacteria. This study reports the development of linear polymers capable to attenuate QS by adsorption of AHLs. Linear polymers were synthesized using methyl methacrylate as backbone monomer and methacrylic acid and itaconic acid as functional monomers. Two different QS-controlled phenotypes, Vibrio fischeri bioluminescence and Aeromonas hydrophila biofilm formation, were evaluated to test the polymers’ efficiency. Results showed that both phenotypes were significantly affected by the polymers, with the itaconic acid-containing material more effective than the methacrylic acid one. The polymer inhibitory effects were reverted by addition of lactones, confirming attenuation of QS through sequestration of signal molecules. The polymers also showed no cytotoxicity when tested using a mammalian cell line.