The Physical Basis of Bacterial Quorum Communication

Quorum sensing (QS) is a process used by bacteria to communicate with each other through chemical signals called autoinducers. When many bacteria are present, the concentration of these signals increases, leading to changes in gene expression that coordinate group behavior. However, QS is more complex than simply counting cell numbers; many bacteria produce different autoinducers and interact with each other in various ways. The book explores how bacteria gather environmental information through QS, the physical limits of this communication, and how they manage noise and interference in their signaling. It also examines how QS operates in structured environments like biofilms. With contributions from experts in biology and physics, this volume focuses on the experimental and theoretical aspects of QS, aiming to help scientists understand this vital microbial communication process through a physical science lens.