“Spin-Torch NMR”: Transfer of nuclear hyperpolarization to explore molecular environment

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Photosynthetic electron pumping occurs in proteins called reaction centers (RCs). Here, (bacterio)chlorophyll cofactors absorb light and forward electrons in a highly optimized environment. Spin-evolution in the light-induced spin-correlated radical pair (SCRP) allows for NMR signal enhancement via the solid-state photo-CIDNP effect. The transient hyperpolarization, occurring on 13C and 15N nuclei in the radical pair, will be used to explore the molecular environment. We will determine chemical shifts, chemical shift anisotropies (CSAs), relaxation parameters, local dynamics and distances. These transfer schemes will be further developed and applied to two different photosynthetic RCs: Those of purplebacteria and of heliobacteria. Comparison might allow to recognize common functional patterns. In future, having artificial RCs, the transfer schemes developed here will allow for surface studies, too.