Microbial biofilm matrix and cell envelope (EPS)

The microbial biofilm matrix and cell envelope represent the primary structural and protective barriers of microorganisms, serving as critical targets for antimicrobial therapy. The biofilm matrix is a complex assembly of extracellular polymeric substances (EPS), including polysaccharides, proteins, lipids, and extracellular DNA (eDNA), which facilitates adhesion and protects microbial communities from host immune responses and antibiotic penetration (Flemming & Wingender, Nature Reviews Microbiology, 2010). The cell envelope, comprising the cell wall and plasma membrane, maintains cellular integrity and regulates the transport of molecules (Silhavy et al., Cold Spring Harbor Perspectives in Biology, 2010). In clinical settings, these structures are central to the development of chronic and persistent infections, particularly those involving medical devices or mucosal surfaces like the lungs in cystic fibrosis. Therapeutic strategies targeting these components include the use of matrix-degrading enzymes like Dornase alfa, membrane-disrupting agents like Colistin, and inhibitors of cell wall synthesis (Tetz et al., Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy, 2009). By destabilizing the matrix or compromising the envelope, these treatments aim to enhance the efficacy of traditional antibiotics and facilitate the clearance of resilient microbial populations (Kaplan, Journal of Dental Research, 2010).

Other names

Extracellular polymeric substanceBiofilm matrixBacterial cell wallFungal cell wallMicrobial envelopeExtracellular matrix (ECM) of biofilmsMicrobial cell envelope

Drugs targeting the microbial biofilm matrix and cell envelope operate through several distinct mechanisms: enzymatic degradation of matrix components such as extracellular DNA (eDNA) and polysaccharides to promote biofilm dispersal; disruption of the physical integrity of the cytoplasmic or outer membranes; inhibition of the biosynthesis of essential cell wall components like peptidoglycan or beta-glucans; and the chelation of divalent cations (e.g., Ca2+, Mg2+) that are necessary for the structural cross-linking of matrix polymers.