Cell membrane and extracellular matrix surfaces

The cell membrane and extracellular matrix (ECM) surfaces represent a broad structural target category rather than a single molecular entity. The cell membrane is a semi-permeable lipid bilayer that defines cellular boundaries and regulates transport, while the ECM is a complex network of proteins (like collagen and laminin) and glycosaminoglycans that provides structural and biochemical support to tissues (Walker et al., 2018, Nature Reviews Molecular Cell Biology). Therapeutic agents targeting these surfaces often utilize non-specific physical mechanisms; for example, polymyxin antibiotics like Colistin bind to lipopolysaccharides and phospholipids to disrupt bacterial membrane integrity (StatPearls, 2023). Similarly, pulmonary surfactants like Poractant alfa are administered to reduce surface tension in the alveoli, preventing lung collapse in neonatal respiratory distress syndrome (DrugBank, 2024). In oncology, the ECM is targeted to modulate the tumor microenvironment and inhibit metastasis, though achieving specificity remains a significant challenge. Because these surfaces are ubiquitous in the human body, drugs acting on them must be carefully managed to avoid off-target effects such as nephrotoxicity or hemolysis (Heidary et al., 2022, Frontiers in Microbiology).

Other names

Cellular surfacesPlasma membrane and ECMCell surface and extracellular environment

Drugs targeting these surfaces typically act through physical-chemical disruption of lipid bilayers, reduction of surface tension at liquid-air interfaces, or non-specific binding to structural proteins and polysaccharides to alter cellular permeability or mechanical properties.