Tolaasin, an 18 residue cyclic lipopeptide, is the main virulence factor of Pseudomonas tolaasii, and causes brown blotch disease in edible mushrooms. In addition to this antifungal activity, this secondary metabolite also displays activity against Gram-positive, Gram-negative bacteria and cytotoxicity against MDA-MB-231 cancer cells. This wide targeting of cells is attributed to its membrane-lytic properties. While experimental data supports direct interaction with cellular membranes, molecular level understanding of the features of tolaasin involved and the underlying mechanisms ultimately leading to cell lysis are not well understood. In this project, a total synthesis route for tolaasin will be developed, followed by combined and comparative biological and biophysical evaluation of a series of specifically designed analogues. Of note, monitoring of leakage events and kinetics using time-resolved single photon fluorescence spectroscopy will provide unprecedented insight in the nature of tolaasin induced membrane perturbation, thus providing fundamental, molecular level understanding of the underlying mode of action.