Quorum sensing (QS) is a bacterial density-dependent gene expression mechanism that involves the binding of receptors and autoinducers to govern pathogenic bacteria (swarming, swimming, and biofilm formation) by producing virulence factors, which can diminish antibiotic efficacy. This novel concept may broaden the usage of antibiotics while preventing antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in humans. So in this investigation, the authors developed, synthesized, and evaluated β-nitrostyrenes derivatives to identify a new class of Quorum sensing inhibitors (QSIs) against S. marcescens. Through QS inhibitory screening of β-nitrostyrene derivatives, m-NPe was identified as a potent QSI against S. marcescens, and it could be employed in clinical trials to partially restore or increase drug sensitivity. Therefore, m-NPe has the potential to be developed as an effective and efficient QSI and antibiofilm agent for treating microbial infection and can evolve as an alternative clinical drug in the future.

A research team led by WANG Peng from the Hefei Institutes of Physical Science of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, has developed a new method for encapsulating probiotics recently. 

They used nanoparticles formed by antisolvent precipitation to protect the probiotics, and tested the probiotics in lab simulations and animal experiments to confirm their effectiveness. 

A recent collaborative study has deciphered the cryo-EM structure of the spinach type I PSII-LHCII megacomplex, providing insights into the principles of higher-order assembly and the potential regulatory mechanisms of plant PSII under low-light conditions.