This study investigated the effect of D-tyrosine on membrane biofouling from both inhibited microbial attachment onto and promoted biofilm detachment from nylon membrane surfaces. Results showed that D-tyrosine at the concentrations studied did not influence microbial growth, substrate utilization and the synthesis of cellular ATP, but significantly inhibited production of autoinducer-2 and extracellular polymeric substances, and reduced microbial attachment onto nylon membrane surfaces was observed. Detachment of biofilms precultured on membrane surface was also observed when exposed to D-tyrosine solutions. These indicate that D-tyrosine was able to mitigate membrane biofouling and promote biofilm detachment through inhibition of cellular communication and extracellular polymeric substance (EPS) production. (C) 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.