Solid-state NMR spectroscopy with magic-angle spinning (MAS) is a powerful technique for investigating the structural and dynamical properties of complex biological systems, such as membrane proteins, viral capsids, and fibrils. In contrast to solution NMR spectroscopy, there is no limit on the size of the biological assembly that can be studied by solid-state NMR. Furthermore, solid-state NMR can be applied to biological systems in near-physiological conditions such as native or native-like lipid membranes.
Is solid-state NMR the right technique for your project?
∙ Yes, if the biological system needs to be studied in situ. Solid-state NMR spectroscopy is one of the very few techniques that can provide high-resolution information about biological systems in their native environments. Solid-state NMR experiments can be performed on highly complex systems, including entire bacteria as well as algae, fungi, or plant cells.
Solid-state NMR instrumentation available on campus
The Chemical Instrumentation Facility houses an Avance II 600 MHz spectrometer equipped with 4mm and 2.5mm MAS probes for solid-state NMR.