Abstract:Membrane biofouling is a phenomenon where bacteria adhere to the surface of membrane material and form biofilm, resulting in the block of membrane holes and decrease in membrane flux. The problem of membrane biofouling largely increases the extra energy consumption and operating cost in the operation and maintenance process of membrane bioreactor (MBR), which has become the main bottleneck that limits the efficient and stable operation of MBR. The quorum quenching (QQ) technology based on the quorum sensing (QS) theory is an emerging and effective method for biofilm inhibition, which has achieved much attention in the field of membrane fouling control. The QQ technology can hinder the genetic expression of signal molecules by disturbing the quorum sensing system of bacteria, which effectively restrains the extracellular polymeric substance (EPS) secretion of bacteria and ultimately decreases the biofilm formation on the membrane material. This review introduces the QS and QQ theory, function of the QS theory in the formation and disintegration of biofilm, and three approaches to realize QQ technology. The membrane fouling control methods based on QQ technology are introduced from the perspective of QQ reagents (compounds, enzyme, and bacteria) additions. Furthermore, the immobilization technologies of QQ reagents in QQ membrane fouling control and their potential applications in MBR are summarized according to the latest research progress at home and abroad. Finally, an outlook of future research in QQ membrane fouling control technology is proposed.