Physical Modes of Action of Membrane‐Active Compounds

Lipid bilayers are formed by spontaneous self‐assembly of amphiphilic lipid molecules. They represent the structure‐giving matrix and hydrophobic barrier of cell membranes and other biological membranes. Technically, they may form, for example, liposomes that are being used as smart drug delivery systems.

The seminar aims at discussing the physical effects of amphiphilic or lipophilic peptides, drugs, and other membrane‐interacting solutes of natural or synthetic origin on the key properties of lipid membranes. Such key properties are named integrity, permeability, heterogeneity, order‐dynamics‐hydration, and curvature, which are addressed by respective sessions. It turns out, however, that these properties are closely related to each other and membrane‐active substances typically affect several of them. It is one main aim of the seminar to better connect these phenomena and catalyze communication and collaboration between the research communities who study them.