DEMAX
European Spallation Source
The European Spallation Source (ESS) is a European Research Infrastructure Consortium (ERIC), based around what will be the world’s most powerful neutron source. Located in Lund, Sweden, the facility will produce its first neutrons in 2025 and will begin a user program in 2027. The Deuteration and Macromolecular Crystallisation (DEMAX) platform, part of the Scientific Activities Division, is comprised of chemical and biological deuteration and support for protein crystallisation. The chemical deuteration laboratory focuses on the synthesis of novel, complex, deuterated small molecules for neutron users, in collaboration with the other Deuteration Network (DEUNET) partner institutions. The biological deuteration and crystallisation laboratory of ESS is co-housed with the Lund Protein Production Platform (LP3), within Lund University.
Deuteration capabilities
- E. coli (cell paste, recombinant protein, plasmid DNA)
- Botryococcus braunii (cell paste, algal cell extract for media preparation)
- P. pastoris (phospholipids, total lipid extracts)
- Hydrothermal pressure reactors (Parr)
- Synthetic chemistry
- Enzyme-assisted synthesis
- Support for large crystal growth (proteins)
Specialities
- Lipids
- Surfactants/detergents
- Biomass preparation
- Protein isotopic labelling
- Natural/yeast-derived lipids
- Protein crystallisation
Key molecules
- POPC (chain-deuterated)
- Deuterated proteins
- Protein crystals
- Phospholipids (yeast-derived)
- Ergosterol (yeast-derived)
User access
User program
Yes
Pilot calls currently, aim for 1 call per year from 2027. Proposal based, peer reviewed with access awarded based on scientific excellence. Submissions via ESS user office.
Access modes
Merit
Access available to anyone based on scientific merit, not country of origin.
Details
Address
European Spallation Source (ESS)
Lund
Sweden
Contact
Group Leader for Deuteration and Macromolecular Crystallisation