Acquisition of an Electron Paramagnetic Resonance Spectrometer for Nanoscience and Biotechnology Research and Education

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With support from the Chemistry Research Instrumentation and Facilities -Multiuser Instrument Acquisition (CRIF-MU) Program, the Department of Chemistry at Northeastern University will acquire an Electron Paramagnetic Resonance (EPR) Spectrometer. Faculty will use this instrument to carry out research in several areas as follows: a) electrostatic mapping of proteins by high field EPR spin labeling; b) mechanism of AP endonuclease interaction with abasic DNA; c) structural changes in the estrogen receptor with drug binding; d) dynamics of drug interactions with bulge-forming DNA; e) characterization of novel materials for spintronic devices; f) measurements of interfacial interactions in nanocomposite fuel cell and catalytic membranes; g) characterization of conducting polymers synthesized by green chemistry; and h) EPR of novel magnetic materials. An electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectrometer yields information on the molecular and electronic structure of molecules. It may also be used to obtain information about the lifetimes of free radicals, short-lived species that are often essential for the initiation of tumor growth and/or a variety of chemical reactions. These studies will have an impact in a number of areas, from nanoscience to materials chemistry and biotechnology.