Bacterial cell membrane and skin surface microenvironment

The bacterial cell membrane is a critical structural component of prokaryotic cells, serving as a selective barrier and a site for essential processes such as oxidative phosphorylation and nutrient transport (Epand et al., 2016, PubMed). In the context of dermatology, this membrane exists within the skin surface microenvironment, which is characterized by a specific pH range (4.7–5.7), moisture levels, and a complex community of commensal microorganisms known as the microbiome (Grice & Segre, 2011, Nature Reviews Microbiology). Therapeutic strategies often target the bacterial membrane using antimicrobial peptides or lipopeptides that induce pore formation or membrane depolarization, leading to rapid cell death (StatPearls, Polymyxin B). Simultaneously, the skin microenvironment influences the efficacy and stability of these drugs, as factors like pH and sebum composition can alter drug ionization and penetration (Ali & Yosipovitch, 2013, PubMed). Disruptions in the balance of this microenvironment are linked to various conditions, including acne, atopic dermatitis, and chronic wound infections. Understanding the interplay between the bacterial membrane and the cutaneous environment is essential for developing effective topical treatments that selectively eliminate pathogens while preserving host tissue and beneficial flora. This entry is marked as incorrect because it combines a specific cellular structure with a broad physiological environment rather than identifying a single molecular target.

Other names

Bacterial cytoplasmic membraneSkin acid mantleCutaneous microenvironmentSkin microbiome environmentBacterial lipid bilayer

Disruption of bacterial lipid bilayer integrity, induction of pore formation, membrane depolarization, and modulation of the skin surface pH to inhibit pathogenic growth.