Bacterial Cell Membrane (Oral Biofilm) (BCM (Oral Biofilm))

The bacterial cell membrane within oral biofilms is a critical target for antimicrobial strategies. It acts as a selective barrier and is essential for cell viability. Targeting the membrane with agents like chlorhexidine or through surface modification with polymers can disrupt its integrity, leading to cell death or altered function. The composition and properties of the membrane vary between bacterial species, and the EPS matrix of the biofilm can protect the membrane from external stressors. Strategies involving polymers aim either to enhance protection of the membrane (e.g., for probiotics) or to disrupt it more effectively in pathogenic bacteria.

Other names

Oral Biofilm MembraneDental Plaque MembraneStreptococcus mutans membranePorphyromonas gingivalis membraneAggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans membraneFusobacterium nucleatum membrane

Disruption of membrane integrity; interference with membrane protein function; inhibition of cell wall synthesis; alteration of membrane permeability