Cutibacterium acnes cytoplasmic membrane and biofilm-embedded bacterial envelope (C. acnes membrane/envelope)

Cutibacterium acnes (formerly Propionibacterium acnes) is a Gram-positive, anaerobic bacterium that is a primary commensal of human skin but also a key factor in the development of acne vulgaris (PubMed: 29572387). The cytoplasmic membrane of C. acnes is a phospholipid bilayer essential for maintaining cellular homeostasis, nutrient transport, and energy production via the proton motive force (PubMed: 24033377). In chronic or severe cases, C. acnes often resides within a biofilm, a complex community of bacteria encased in a self-produced extracellular polymeric substance (EPS) matrix (PubMed: 22503127). This biofilm-embedded bacterial envelope acts as a physical and chemical barrier, protecting the bacteria from host immune cells and significantly increasing resistance to conventional antibiotic treatments (PubMed: 32824015). Therapeutic strategies targeting these structures include the use of benzoyl peroxide, which induces oxidative stress and lipid peroxidation to compromise membrane integrity (StatPearls: NBK537222). Additionally, novel antimicrobial peptides and photodynamic therapies are designed to penetrate the biofilm matrix and directly disrupt the bacterial envelope (PubMed: 30634418). Understanding the structural dynamics of the C. acnes membrane and biofilm is crucial for developing effective treatments that can overcome the protective mechanisms of the bacterial colony (PubMed: 28254413).

Other names

Propionibacterium acnes cell membraneC. acnes bacterial envelopeC. acnes biofilm matrixCutibacterium acnes cell wall

Induction of oxidative stress leading to membrane lipid peroxidation, disruption of cellular homeostasis, and penetration of the protective biofilm matrix.