Akademik Veri Yönetim Sistemi
Trakya University Journal of Natural Sciences, cilt.27, sa.1, ss.88-95, 2026 (ESCI, Scopus, TRDizin)
Background: Biofilm formation represents a major challenge for food safety, contributing to persistent contamination, compromised process hygiene, and increased antimicrobial resistance. Because quorum sensing (QS) regulates biofilm development, interference with QS signaling (quorum quenching [QQ]) has emerged as a promising strategy for biofilm control. Aims: This study aimed to evaluate the biofilm-forming capacity and QS (N-acyl homoserine lactones [AHL] and autoinducer-2 [AI-2]) activity of foodborne bacterial isolates and to assess the antimicrobial and QQ potential of selected natural products under in vitro conditions. Methods: A total of 109 bacterial isolates from dairy processing lines were assessed for biofilm formation using a 96-well microtiter assay. QS activity was detected using indicator microorganisms for AHL and AI-2 signaling. Selected natural products (1 mg/mL) were screened for antimicrobial and QQ activity, with QS inhibition evaluated independently of growth suppression. Results: A total of 89% of the isolates were classified as strong biofilm producers, with Bacillus and Pseudomonas species predominating. Plant-derived extracts and natural products, including Calendula officinalis, propolis, nisin, and Hypericum perforatum, exhibited measurable antimicrobial and antibiofilm activity. Propolis and C. officinalis reduced QS-associated biofilm responses independently of growth inhibition, indicating potential QQ activity. Conclusion: These findings highlight the potential of natural extracts as eco-friendly alternatives to chemical disinfectants in food processing environments.