(228i) Simulation Studies of the Stability of Phospholipid Bilayers in Clathrate Hydrates

Molecular dynamics simulations are used to determine the stability of a phospholipid bilayer and clathrate hydrate systems. An unexplored area of research of clathrate hydrates is their interaction with biological systems, such as cells and proteins. It has been suggested that clathrate hydrates or clathrate-like structures are involved in a number of biological processes. We will present insight into the interaction of hydrates with a model biological membrane. This study is the first step toward a more fundamental understanding of the stability and properties of clathrate hydrates in biological environments.