Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) encompasses several powerful structural and analytical methodologies which are capable of providing atomic level information about molecules.

For example, it can determine the numbers of particular atoms within a molecule, their chemical environments and how they are interconnected and spatially arranged based on their magnetic properties.

The nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy facility at UEA enables structural and dynamic studies on substances ranging from small molecule pharmaceuticals and polymers to complex biomolecules, solids and colloids. The facility provides unique opportunities to study molecules, their assemblies, colloids, soft solids and functional materials over different time scales and physical states.

The facility includes a range of state-of-the-art NMR spectrometers capable of elucidating a variety of compounds and materials in solution, gels, colloidal systems and in the solid state. The facility focuses on providing research expertise for problems where the application of advanced NMR methods is essential. Depending on the type of application of NMR required, we will offer expert support in assessing the research problem, access to equipment, data collection and advanced analysis of results.

View our previous NMR platform applications.

 

We have the following equipment available for use:

High field (800 MHz and 500 MHz) spectrometers for biomolecular NMR

Both are 3-channel multinuclear instruments and are equipped with inverse triple resonance (H/C/N) z-gradient probes. They are therefore able to perform an extensive range of powerful state-of-the-art multidimensional NMR experiments required for demanding applications in biomolecular NMR such as 2D, 3D, and 4D triple resonance experiments on isotopically enriched proteins. Together the spectrometers are typically used to study protein and carbohydrate structure/function relationships.

Furthermore the spectrometers are supported by a network of Linux workstations running various software packages for data processing, analysis, molecular graphics  etc. e.g. TopSpin/NMRPipe/CCPN Analysis/UNIO.

High-resolution (500 MHz and 400 MHz) NMR spectrometers for structural elucidation and analysis

All of these instruments are dual channel and have variable temperature capabilities. They are configured with autosamplers for medium throughput analysis and broad band tuneable probes enabling observation of the widest range of nuclei. They are programmed with a wide variety of NMR techniques in order to fully characterise and describe the systems under investigation.

Solid-state and gel NMR

400 MHz solid-state NMR spectrometer

  • Triple channel spectrometer Bruker Avance III capable of studying nuclei with gyromagnetic ratios from 14N to 31P, 19F, and 1H.
  • MAS probes with spinning rates up to 15 and 35 kHz.
  • Variable temperature operation.

300 MHz solid-state NMR spectrometer

  • Double channel Bruker Avance III spectrometer with multinuclear capability (1H/15N-31P).
  • Variable temperature -50 to 80C.

High-resolution MAS NMR (gel NMR)

  • 400 MHz triple resonance HR/MAS probe (1H-31P-13C, optimised for 13C).
  • 800 MHz double resonance HR/MAS probe (1H-13C, optimised for 13C).

 

All enquiries are welcome and should initially be addressed to Colin Macdonald, Platform Manager: c.macdonald@uea.ac.uk 01603 592024