FIGURE 1: Proposed mechanism of PBT2 mediated membrane disruption and bacterial cell rupture. Magnesium binds to anionic phosphate groups of the inner core via electrostatic interaction, enabling structural integrity of the outer leaflet. Disruptions in these important electrostatic cross-link interactions result in lipopolysaccharide (LPS) release and subsequent bacterial membrane rupture. We hypothesize PBT2 mediated dysregulation of bacterial cell metal homeostasis depletes A. baumannii of cellular magnesium content resulting in increased membrane permeability and associated membrane defects. Created with Biorender.com.