Identification of a Biomimetic Membrane Forming Mechanism in Extra-Terrestrial Environments

Cell membranes are complex structures that are robust enough to withstand changes in temperature and pressure, yet are stable and flexible enough to cope with a vast library of cellular processes. However, the mild conditions on Earth - conditions where water is liquid and membranes can be thermally stable - are famously scarce in the vastness of space. Recent data collected by the Cassini-Huygens probe, and subsequently studied by computer modelling has shown that some nitrogen-containing molecules may be able to spontaneously form membrane-like structures in the cold liquid methane lakes on Titan, one of the moons of Saturn. By recreating this atmosphere at ISIS and probing the behaviour of these molecules using neutron scattering, we hope to show that some of the processes we take for granted on Earth may also be possible in the alien atmosphere of Titan.