Acquisition of a 600-MHz NMR Spectrometer for Biomolecular and Materials Research

Iowa State University, Ames IA

Investigators

Abstract

This award provides partial support for the acquisition of a 600 MHz nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectrometer to be used for multidisciplinary research projects, including: (1) membrane protein structure and dynamics, (2) polymeric and catalytic materials studies, (3) molecular mechanism of cell signaling, (4) plant metabolite levels and metabolic fluxes, and (5) chemical reaction kinetics. The instrument will provide enhanced sensitivity and resolution capabilities, and advanced NMR methods not currently available to Iowa State University researchers. The increased sensitivity and resolution of the 600 MHz NMR will critically enable the implementation and development of novel 2D and 3D solid-state NMR correlation techniques for studying membrane protein conformational changes and supramolecular structures. The instrument will dramatically advance cutting-edge research into the structure-property relations of modern catalysts and complex polymers, and will facilitate multi-dimensional heteronuclear solution NMR experiments that interrogate proteins involved in biological signal transmission. Additionally, the NMR will vitalize the construction of metabolic flux maps for plant metabolic engineering. The 600 MHz NMR will benefit a large user base at ISU, engaged in diverse research areas ranging from biodegradable polymers to enzyme kinetics, from plant carbohydrates to self-assembled metal complexes. Students and faculty from smaller neighboring institutions will participate in research and training on the high-field instrument, as well as students from the Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) and Minority Engineering Apprenticeship (MEAP) programs.