Transport Dynamics of Water Molecules Confined between Lipid Membranes

Abstract

Water molecules confined between biological membranes exhibit a distinctive non-Gaussian displacement distribution, far different from bulk water. Here, we introduce a new transport equation for water molecules in the intermembrane space, quantitatively explaining molecular dynamics simulation results. We find the unique transport dynamics of water molecules stems from the lateral diffusion coefficient fluctuation caused by their longitudinal motion. We also identify an interfacial region where water possesses distinct physical properties, unaffected by changes in the intermembrane separation.