Bacterial membrane phospholipids and lipopolysaccharides (LPS)

Bacterial membranes, consisting of phospholipids and lipopolysaccharides (LPS), serve as critical structural barriers and functional interfaces between the bacterium and its environment (Maldonado et al., 2016). In Gram-negative bacteria, the outer membrane is uniquely characterized by the presence of LPS, also known as endotoxin, which provides a robust permeability barrier against many antibiotics and host immune factors (Poirel et al., 2017). The cytoplasmic membrane, present in both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, is primarily composed of phospholipids and is essential for maintaining ion gradients and energy production (Humphries et al., 2013). These components are vital therapeutic targets; for instance, polymyxins bind to the lipid A portion of LPS and phospholipids to disrupt the outer membrane, while daptomycin inserts into the cytoplasmic membrane of Gram-positive bacteria (Tran et al., 2015). Targeting these structures is a key strategy for treating multidrug-resistant infections, although it carries risks of toxicity due to similarities with host cell membranes or high systemic inflammatory responses triggered by LPS release (Falagas & Kasiakou, 2005). Disruption of these membranes leads to rapid loss of cellular contents and cessation of metabolic processes, making them effective targets for bactericidal agents (Moffatt et al., 2019).

Other names

Bacterial cell envelope lipidsEndotoxinLipid ABacterial outer membraneCytoplasmic membrane lipids

Binding to and disruption of the bacterial cell membrane, leading to increased permeability, loss of membrane potential, and cell lysis.