Abstract
Antimicrobial peptides are known to selectively disrupt (highly charged) microbial membranes by asymmetrical incorporation into the outer layers. We present a physical basis for membrane-charge selectivity of cationic antimicrobial peptides. In particular, we provide a clear picture of how peptide-charge influences the asymmetrical insertion—one salient feature is the existence of an optimal peptide charge, at which selective insertion is optimized. Our results suggest that large is required for antimicrobial selectivity, consistent with experiments.
- Received 15 June 2006
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevLett.98.168101
©2007 American Physical Society