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.