On the electrostatics of cell-membrane recognition: From natural antibiotics to rigid push-pull rods

The question why pore-forming, a-helical natural antibiotics are not toxic is discussed within the general context of the interaction of electrostatic ally asymmetric "nanorods" with neutral, anionic, and polarized bilayer mem branes. We suggest that simplification of the structural complexity of natu ral systems will be necessary to ultimately define the involved subtle bala nce between constructive and destructive electrostatic interactions.