Biogenic polyamines as modulators of Quorum sensing activity and biofilm formation of Vibrio harveyi

The influence of biogenic polyamines on the growth, biofilm formation, and quorum sensing of Vibrio harveyi were studied. We showed the ability of Vibrio harveyi to synthesize putrescine, cadaverine and spermidine, as well as to transport and accumulate spermine. The presence of polyamines in the cultivation medium had a stimulating effect on the activity of quorum sensing autoinducer 1 and autoinducer 2, and biofilm formation. In all cases the effect of spermine was highest. The polyamines impact on the bacterial biofilm formation may be due to their effect on the production of autoinducers.