MRI: Acquisition of a 400 MHz Solid-State NMR Spectrometer

Miami University, Oxford OH

Investigators

Abstract

With this award from the Major Research Instrumentation (MRI) Program, the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry at Miami University in Oxford will acquire a 400 MHz solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR)spectrometer. This equipment will enable researchers to carry out studies on a) the characterization of the membrane-bound protein phospholamban; b) an investigation of the structure and mechanism of action of CREP-1; c) an examination of the metalloenzyme metallo-beta-lactamase, believed responsible for antibiotic resistance in bacteria; d) organically modified polymers and their use in combinatorial chemistry; e) influence of dendrimers on sol-gel materials; and f) development of novel packing materials for chromatographic separations. Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) spectroscopy is the most powerful tool available to chemists for the elucidation of the structure of molecules. It is used to identify unknown substances, to characterize specific arrangements of atoms within molecules, and to study the dynamics of interactions between molecules in solution. Access to state-of-the-art NMR spectrometers is essential to chemists who are carrying out frontier research. The results from these NMR studies will have an impact in a number of areas, in particular, medicinal chemistry, biochemistry and materials chemistry.