Structural Food Physics and
Soft Matter Self-Assembly

The group is jointly affiliated with the Department of Food Science and the Niels Bohr Institute and is led by Associate Professor Jacob Kirkensgaard. The group is hosting the CXC: University of Copenhagen Cross-disciplinary X-ray Center.

Research

In general the research of the group is centered around mesoscale self-assembly and particularly the formation of geometrically and topologically complex structures in soft matter systems, both synthetic systems like block copolymers and amphiphilic molecules and from various food- and biological systems, for example photosynthetic membranes, milk/fat-based systems, oleogels and biomacromolecules like starch. A particular area of interest after the move to FOOD is the study of nanostructural transitions during digestion and how this influences bio-uptake of nutra- and pharmaceuticals.

In terms of methodology, our work has two main facets:

(1) structural investigations using small-angle x-ray and neutron scattering techniques and advanced data analysis and modeling related to this.

(2) coarse-grained molecular dynamics simulations of soft matter self-assembly.

A state-of-the-art new x-ray instrument is being installed in 2020 at FOOD and will allow a range of experiments to be conducted in-house. We also routinely go to international large scale facilities to do neutron scattering or synchrotron x-ray scattering if needed.

Projects

This ERC funded PATHFINDER project aims to develop highly selective filtration membranes capable of transporting specific molecules through existing or bio-engineered membrane protein transporters. Initially the aim is a proof-of-concept experiment to extract complex high-value oligosaccharides from bulk biomass and phosphate from wastewater. Our group leads a work package on structural characterization using mainly x-ray and neutron scattering methods combined with advanced imaging.

Main collaborators: Aquaporin and A. Goddard, R. Bill, A. Rothnie, P. Durham and M. Derry (Aston University, UK)

ABC-STAR

This NNF funded NERD project is anchored with Prof. K. Almdal at DTU and is focused on the self-assembly of ABC miktoarm star block copolymers. As shown by previous work in our group, these molecules are known to form a range of complex phases but now we are experimentally and theoretically investigating the role of so-called ‘conformational asymmetry’ as a new control parameter which might favor for example the formation of quasicrystals. We are leading the theory effort using molecular simulations, self-consistent field theory and various theoretical considerations.

Main collaborators: K. Almdal (DTU, Denmark), D. Posselt (Roskilde University, Denmark) and G. Schröder-Turk (Murdoch University, Australia)

PEAS & peas...

The PEAS project headed by R. Lametsch at KU-FOOD will use the potential genetic variations that exist in the more than 2,400 pea accessions in the Nordic genebank to select pea seeds having an optimal protein composition of albumins, globulins and individual proteins (e.g. legumins and vicilins) suitable for adding optimal gelling functionality to plant-based foods. We are contributing with structural studies of selected pea accessions and their structural properties during gelation. In addition to PEAS we work on related questions with several other researchers locally and nationally.

Main collaborators: R. Lametsch, V. Orlien (KU FOOD), M. Corredig (Aarhus University)

Digestion and structure in milk and plant emulsions

In this project, using milk and plant lipids as initial substrates, we aim to develop a deep understanding of the evolution of structure in dairy related foods during digestion. Calcium plays a critical yet ill-defined role in this sense, so an element of the program will be focused on linking calcium concentration and disposition with structural transformations. We are using x-ray scattering as the main structural tool doing in situ digestion experiments combined with synchrotron SAXS.

Main collaborators: B. Boyd (KU-FARMA) and Arla

Hyperbolic order in curved materials

We are studying self-assembly of various block copolymers on hyperbolic surfaces aiming to understand the role of negative curvature on pattern formation and the link to patterns in the hyperbolic plane where we have developed new software to seamlessly ‘map’ between 2D curved and 3D euclidean space.

Main collaborators: M. C. Pedersen (NBI) and S. Hyde (Australia)

AF4-SAXS

We are collaborating with Prof. Lars Nilssons group at Lund University on the data analysis of combined AF4-SAXS data. AF4 - Asymmetric Flow Field Flow Fractionation is a versatile fractionation method and together with the MAXIV CoSAXS beamline a range of experiments have been conducted and we are helping to develop a data analysis pipeline for this. One example is to look at a range of milk-based systems.

Main collaborators: L. Nilsson and H. Bolinsson (Lund University), M. C. Pedersen (NBI)

Student Projects

We almost always have opportunities for students in several of our ongoing projects. Please contact the group leader and get inspiration under the Projects tab.

Publications

Most recent publications

Click here for full list of publications

[106] Faisal M,J.J.K. Kirkensgaard, Jørgensen B, Ulvskov P, Rée MA, Kang SI, Andersson NK, Jørgensen MS, Simonsen JV Hebelstrup KH and Blennow A

Biocomposite films of amylose reinforced with polylactic acid by solvent casting method using a Pickering emulsion approach

Colloids and Interfaces, Accepted (2024)

[105] Wang U, Tian Y, Li Z, J.J.K. Kirkensgaard, Svensson B and Blennow A

Interfacial kinetics reveal enzymatic resistance mechanisms behind granular starch with smooth surfaces

Food Bioscience, Accepted (2024)

[104] Faisal M, Jacobson T, Meinert L, Vorup P, Bordallo HN, J.J.K. Kirkensgaard, Ulvskov P and Blennow A

Development of pH indicator composite films based on anthocyanins and neutral red for monitoring minced meat and fish in modified gas atmosphere (MAP)

Coatings, Accepted (2024)