Centre for Frustrated Molecular Interactions

About the research centre

Nano-scale self-organized structures are central building blocks in both nano technological devices and in many biological systems and materials. The self-assembly of macromolecules into such structures is driven by the release of molecular frustration, e.g. when amphiphilic lipid molecules in aqueous suspension aggregate into the basic bilayer structure of a biological membrane or when diblock copolymers microphase separate into sophisticated 3D structures driven by an unfavorable interaction between the two ends of the block copolymer.

Scattering methods that employ x-rays or neutrons provide invaluable structural information on self-assembling aggregates and the kinetics of the aggregation process. In order to obtain an understanding of the full system under investigation, whether biological or synthetic, it is of crucial importance to combine structural and dynamical investigations. A prominent example is the gap between the knowledge of the physico-chemical properties of a biological model membrane and the understanding of a whole functioning cell. Scattering based techniques obtaining dynamical information are indispensable in order to bridge such gaps and push the frontiers of knowledge in soft matter and in biology.

Department of Science and Environment (INM) hosts expertise across the department using various scattering methods to study different aspects of self-assembly related problems, both in soft matter and in biology. The Centre for Frustrated Molecular Interactions (FRUSTMI ) is aimed to forge and facilitate new in-house collaborative efforts and form the basis for new cross-disciplinary reseach projects. Additionally, the clear and visible profile will attract students on all levels.

FRUSTMI is also emphasizing the use of techniques complementary to scattering methods, such as NMR and cryo-electron microscopy, in order to provide input to and constraints in modelling of scattering data. FRUSTMI is an active partner in the Danish scattering milieu and will benefit from the coming world-class research infrastructure, ESS (European Spallation Source) and MAX IV (Synchrotron source) in Lund, Sweden.

Also, the Centre for Frustrated Molecular Interactions establishes a platform for larger grant applications, e.g. EU based research programs. FRUSTMI is in line with the INM Research and Strategy plan 2017-2020 with its focus on curiosity-driven interdisciplinary research in teams, focus on involvement of students and exploration of new opportunities opening up with ESS and MAX IV in Lund.
The main participants are forming meeting regularly and are taking initiatives to secure the financing of new scientific initiatives. You will find the main participants in FRUSTMI here.
The Centre is coordinating participation in INSTRUCT, DANSCATT and other relevant national and international organizations. The centre aims to contribute significantly to the Danish ESS lighthouses in soft matter/polymers and in structural biology.

An annual meeting is organized for the purpose of presenting ongoing research, with a focus on student projects at all levels.

INM and FRUSTMI are hosting the annual Danscatt meeting 2018