Abstract
The present study indicates that the outer membranes of Porphyromonas gingivalis have a high affinity for hemin, an essential growth factor for this suspected periodontal pathogen. The hemin-binding property appears to be mediated by the lipopolysaccharides, particularly the lipid A region. It is suggested that this binding mechanism may be important for the growth and establishment of P. gingivalis in environments with a low hemin content such as periodontal pockets.

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