Quorum sensing inhibition: A target for treating chronic wounds

Chronic wounds are serious medical problem which sometimes become fatal. Bacterial infections are one of the major causes for chronic wounds and delay in their healing. Pathogenic bacteria form biofilms on the surface of wounds. Biofilms are organized polymicrobial structures where bacteria are encased in exopolysaccharide layer and are present in metabolically quiescent state, thus making the wounds resistant to antimicrobial treatment. This delays the wound healing process by slowing down tissue repair and by inducing chronic inflammation at the site of the wound. The cell to cell communication system also known as the quorum sensing (QS) system is required for biofilm formation and coordinated virulence activities. QS inhibitors have emerged as important candidates for inhibiting biofilm formation, maintenance and expression of virulence factors. Use of these compounds alone or in combination with antibiotics may aid in rapid healing of chronic wounds and tissue regeneration. This chapter focuses on the role of QS in chronic wounds and the use of QS inhibitors for treating such wounds and facilitating wound healing.