The very same hydrophobic effect and van der Waals interactions as discussed for proteins also stabilize membrane bilayer structures.

The first movie to the left demonstrates a simulation of a lipid bilayer that separates two aequous phases. Despite considerable structural dynamics, solute molecules passing the barrier will be hardly observed.

In a second movie, the power of the hydrophobic effect has been demonstrated experimentally. A bead has been attached to a cellular membrane. The bead is subsequently moved around by means of laser tweazers without rupturing the membrane.