Abstract: Bacteria mainly exist in the form of a biofilm in nature. The initial adhesion of bacteria starts the life cycle of biofilm formation. Initial adhesion is a process in which bacteria in a planktonic state adsorb on biotic/abiotic surfaces and begin to form biofilms under the influence of factors such as bacterial components and extracellular polymeric substances. The initial adhesion of bacteria is affected by various regulatory systems. Therefore, it is of significance to study these regulatory systems. This article reviews three major regulatory systems that affect initial bacterial adhesion, namely, cyclic diguanylate (c-di-GMP) system, two-component system and quorum sensing system, and introduces the mechanisms of how these regulatory systems regulate initial bacterial adhesion. Also, the application of controlling initial bacterial adhesion to ensure food quality is summarized and future prospects are discussed. This reviews is expected to provide a theoretical basis for protecting food quality from being harmed by bacterial biofilm, which is of practical significance for promoting the development of the food industry.

Key words: initial adhesion; biofilm; cyclic diguanylate; two-component system; quorum-sensing system; food quality control