Effect of N-acyl-homoserine lactones（AHL) on biogenic amine formation by Pantoea agglomerans

Abstract The effect of N-acyl-homoserine lactone (AHL)-based quorum sensing (QS) on biogenic amine (BA) formation by Pantoea agglomerans was studied. Agrobacterium tumefaciens A136 and KYC55-based bioassays confirmed AHLs production by Pantoea agglomerans. The production ability of AHLs was quantified on the basis of β-galactosidase activity. The influence of temperature (10°C and 20°C) and pH (5.5 and 6.5) on β-galactosidase activity and BAs production by Pantoea agglomerans was determined. Acidification of the environment adversely affected the growth and β-galactosidase activity of Pantoea agglomerans, and AHLs production and BAs accumulation by Pantoea agglomerans was inhibited at low temperature. A significant correlation between β-galactosidase activity and BAs (putrescine, histamine, putrescine and tryptamine) was identified (P < 0.01). Based on the results of this study, the AHL-based QS system influences the concentrations and types of BAs produced by Pantoea agglomerans.