Many bacteria communicate with one another through the secretion and uptake of small signaling molecules. If this process, known as quorum sensing, is disrupted, bacterial communities can no longer collectively respond to environmental stresses or cooperatively build complex structures such as biofilms. Yeon et at. have leveraged such a disruption to prevent biofouling-the clogging of membrane pores by accumulated particulate matter and bacteria-in wastewater treatment apparatus.
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