Reactive oxygen species-induced microbial cell membrane disruption

This entry refers to the antimicrobial mechanism by which reactive oxygen species (ROS)—such as superoxide anion, hydrogen peroxide, and hydroxyl radicals—cause irreversible damage to microbial cell membranes. The process involves lipid peroxidation, increased membrane permeability, disruption of membrane proteins, and oxidative damage to other cellular components, leading to cell death. This mechanism is exploited by both immune cells (e.g., via NADPH oxidase-derived ROS in phagocytes) and some antimicrobial drugs, such as 2-phenylethanol and hydrogen peroxide. It is central to the action of various sterilizing and disinfecting procedures, and it may be leveraged for antifungal or antibacterial therapeutic strategies. However, it does not refer to a unique molecular target but rather to a chemical process or pathway in microbiology and antimicrobial pharmacology.

Other names

ROS-mediated membrane disruptionROS-induced microbial lysis

Generation of reactive oxygen species that cause lipid peroxidation in the microbial cell membrane, increase membrane permeability, disrupt membrane proteins, and ultimately induce cell death