Disruption of the Cytoplasmic Membrane Structure and Barrier Function Underlies the Potent Antiseptic Activity of Octenidine in Gram-Positive Bacteria
Nermina Malanović, Jessica A. Buttress, Djenana Vejzović, Ayse Ön, Paulina Piller, Dagmar Kolb, Karl Lohner, Henrik Strahl
Abstract
OCT is a well-established antiseptic molecule routinely used in a large field of clinical applications. Since the spread of antimicrobial resistance has restricted the use of antibiotics worldwide, topically applied antiseptics like OCT, with a broad spectrum of antimicrobial activity and high safety profile, gain increasing importance for effective infection prevention and therapy. To eliminate a wide spectrum of disease-causing microorganisms, a compound's antiseptic activity should be unspecific or multitarget. Our results demonstrate an unspecific mechanism of action for OCT, which remained largely unknown for years. OCT disturbs the barrier function of a bacterial cell, a function that is absolutely fundamental for survival. Because OCT does not distinguish between lipids, the building blocks of bacterial membranes, its mode of action might be attributed to all bacteria, including (multi)drug-resistant isolates. Our results underpin OCT's potent antiseptic activity for successful patient outcome.