Solid state NMR spectroscopy: chemical and biological applications

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Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy is a powerful analytical technique for studying molecular structure, dynamics and chemical bonding. To date most successful NMR applications have focused on detection of atomic nuclei with a nuclear spin quantum number of ½. However, over 70% of the elements in the Periodic Table have isotopes whose nuclear spin quantum number is greater than ½ such as Na-23 (spin-3/2), K-39 (spin-3/2) and O-17 (spin-5/2). These nuclei are known as quadrupolar nuclei. Because quadrupolar nuclei possess unfavorable nuclear properties, many of them have often been considered "NMR invisible". The primary objective of our research program is to develop new NMR techniques to make quadrupolar nuclei accessible and, furthermore, to apply these techniques to biomolecular systems such as DNA and ion channel proteins. NMR for quadrupolar nuclei has remained one of the most challenging problems to experimentalists in the field of NMR research. Our proposed research may provide new possibilities in two general areas: (1) direct detection of alkali metal ions in DNA and ion channel proteins and (2) development of O-17 NMR as a new probe to biological structures. These represent new research directions with considerable potential. Successful applications will shed new light into several unsolved problems in chemistry and biochemistry. The proposed research will also have a significant impact on the general development of NMR spectroscopy. The students trained in this research program will learn important knowledge about preparation of DNA and protein samples and application of advanced biophysical characterization methods, as well as critical thinking skills to be successul in either academic or industrial environment.