Nuclear Magnetic Resonance

Our research group is working on various fundamental and applied aspects of NMR, focusing on developments of new methods for nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) in solution, solids and gases, and for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) using state-of-the-art equipment.

In solution, we study internal dynamics, structure and interactions of biomolecules such as proteins and nucleic acids, based on extensive know-how in protein expression and purification. We determine fast proton exchange rates, study cross-correlated relaxation effects, develop single-scan multidimensional methods, field-dependent relaxation (relaxometry) using fast shuttling of samples, drug screening, and dynamic nuclear polarisation (DNP) using rapid heating of samples polarized at 1.4 K, dissolution and transfer to liquid-state spectrometers.

In solids, we investigate proteins and their complexes and porous materials relevant for heterogeneous catalysis. We develop efficient solid-state NMR methods for measurements of chemical shift anisotropies (CSA), decoupling under magic angle spinning (MAS), recoupling of dipole-dipole interactions despite MAS, and signal enhancement by DNP using gyrotron-generated microwaves. We also design instrumentation enabling in situ detection of electron spins by EPR within dual NMR/EPR probes. By integrating EPR, DNP, and NMR, we aim to create new experimental capabilities and expand applications. We are also developing a new generation of pulsed DNP, theoretically more versatile and robust than continuous-wave DNP.

Prof. Geoffrey Bodenhausen in our team is leading HiSCORE, an ERC-funded project.