Pendant ionic groups of conjugated oligoelectrolytes govern their ability to intercalate into microbial membranes.

Conjugated oligoelectrolytes (COEs) bearing pyridinium and carboxylate groups are synthesized, characterized, and compared to the trimethylammonium analogue from which they are derived. All COEs are able to spontaneously intercalate into liposomes, whereas only positively charged COEs intercalate into E. coli membranes. Membrane intercalation is determined necessary for performance enhancement in microbial fuel cells.