Bacterial cell surface and biofilm matrix

The bacterial cell surface and biofilm matrix represent a complex, multi-component structural barrier that protects microbial communities from environmental stressors and host immune defenses (mdpi.com, 1.1.1). The cell surface includes the peptidoglycan cell wall and, in Gram-negative bacteria, an outer membrane containing lipopolysaccharides, while the biofilm matrix is composed of extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) such as polysaccharides, proteins, and extracellular DNA (eDNA) (nih.gov, 1.2.2). These structures are critical for bacterial adhesion to surfaces, mechanical stability, and the facilitation of horizontal gene transfer and quorum sensing (termedia.pl, 1.2.3). In clinical settings, the formation of biofilms on medical devices and within host tissues is a major driver of chronic and recalcitrant infections, such as those seen in cystic fibrosis and endocarditis (healthcaresurfacesinstitute.org, 1.4.2). Therapeutic strategies targeting these structures include traditional antibiotics that inhibit cell wall synthesis or disrupt membranes, as well as emerging anti-biofilm agents like matrix-degrading enzymes (e.g., DNase I, alginate lyase) and adhesion inhibitors (researchgate.net, 1.2.1). By destabilizing the matrix or compromising the cell envelope, these treatments aim to restore bacterial susceptibility to the host immune system and conventional antimicrobial therapies (nih.gov, 1.3.1).

Other names

Extracellular polymeric substances (EPS)Bacterial envelopeBiofilm extracellular matrixBacterial cell wallExopolysaccharide matrix

Inhibition of peptidoglycan cell wall synthesis, disruption of bacterial membrane integrity, enzymatic degradation of extracellular polymeric substances (e.g., eDNA, polysaccharides), and inhibition of bacterial adhesion or quorum sensing signaling.