Magnetic-Field Manipulation of Naturally Occurring Microbial Chiral Peptides to Regulate Gas-Hydrate Formation.

Clathrate hydrates are nonstoichiometric crystalline inclusion compounds, wherein a water host lattice entraps small guest molecules in cavities, with methane hydrates being the most widespread in nature. Recent studies have shown that proteins and polypeptides produced by micro-organisms can accelerate methane-hydrate formation. However, the role of magnetic fields and chirality in such phenomena is heretofore unclear. Here, we find prima facie evidence of differently oriented magnetic fields of varying strength showing intricate control on the hydrate-formation kinetics by R and S versions of a prototypical aromatic peptide derived from a naturally occurring, hydrate-promoting source. We also discuss the wider implications of these results on chirality in the biosphere and hydrates in the environment.