Durable formulations of quorum quenching enzymes

TL;DR

This study shows how to make durable enzyme-based coatings that can control microbial growth in real-world industrial settings.

Contribution

The study provides a practical framework for integrating thermostable quorum quenching enzymes into industrial materials.

Findings

SsoPox and GcL enzymes showed broad compatibility with most crop adjuvants except oil-based ones.

Enzymatic coatings retained activity in various polymer bases and remained stable for over 250 days.

Salt water and temperature had minimal negative impact on enzyme activity in acrylic coatings.

Abstract

Enzymes with industrial potential often face limitations due to stability and longevity constraints. Thermostable quorum quenching lactonases are appealing biotechnology tools for controlling microbial pathogenicity and biofilm formation via the interference of quorum sensing. However, the effective formulation of these enzymes remains a challenge. Here, we evaluate the resistance and activity of two thermostable quorum quenching lactonase enzymes (SsoPox and GcL) across diverse formulations relevant to industrial applications. We systematically tested these enzymes with 16 different crop adjuvants (including oils, an anti-foaming agent, surfactants, deposition aids, a water conditioner, and a sticking agent) over a 210-day period, demonstrating broad compatibility except with oil-based adjuvants. Additionally, both enzymes maintained their activity when incorporated into five different coating bases (acrylic, silicone, polyurethane, epoxy, and latex) with activity levels varying according to polymer type. Further investigation of enzymatic acrylic coating characterized the effects of salt water and temperature on enzyme activity levels. Functionalized coatings maintained remarkable stability over 250 days in both wet and dry conditions. These findings establish a practical demonstration and framework for integrating quorum quenching lactonases into industrial materials and formulations, significantly advancing their potential for ‘real-world’ applications for microbial control across multiple sectors.

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1038/s41598-025-12623-1.

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