Nonlinear interpolation inequalities with fractional Sobolev norms and pattern formation in biomembranes

We consider a one-dimensional version of a variational model for pattern formation in biological membranes. The driving term in the energy is a coupling between the order parameter and the local curvature of the membrane. We derive scaling laws for the minimal energy. As a main tool we present new nonlinear interpolation inequalities that bound fractional Sobolev seminorms in terms of a Cahn-Hillard/Modica-Mortola energy.