An Integrated THz System for DNP-enhanced NMR Spectroscopy

DESCRIPTION provided by applicant The proposed research focuses on the development of a DNP NMR system for Dynamic Nuclear Polarization DNP enhanced solid state NMR spectroscopy at MHz High resolution structures are essential to the understanding of the complex functions of bio macromolecules and NMR spectroscopy is a major source for such information However the method suffers from an inherently low sensitivity and long acquisition times are required to achieve sufficient data quality DNP a method in which the high thermal electron polarization is transferred to surrounding nuclei by THz irradiation of the sample can boost the NMR sensitivity by two or three orders of magnitude With DNP experiments that typically require days or weeks of signal averaging can be performed in minutes or hours It enables researchers to do experiments that are otherwise impossible to perform such as high precision distance measurements or recording D C C correlation spectra of unlabeled molecules in just hours In this proposal we present a novel MHz DNP system based on a GHz gyrotron source that is integrated into the NMR magnet Our product does not require an additional expensive superconducting magnet This is possible because current wide bore NMR magnets provide sufficient space right above the probe to integrate and operate the gyrotron source This innovative gyrotron tube is specifically designed for DNP applications provides sufficient power and has adequate frequency tuning bandwidth to eliminate the superconducting sweep coil that is necessary in other DNP systems The presented innovations result in cost savings of andgt $ million per unit and will make DNP a much more affordable method During Phase I we will perform the mechanical and electrical design of the GHz integrated THz source and select a cavity trim coil magnet assembly based on its NMR performance During Phase II the gyrotron source will be fabricated and the complete DNP system including the low temperature NMR probe will be integrated in the MHz NMR magnet As a result of this project we expect a complete MHz DNP system based on Bridge andapos s integrated gyrotron source and we expect signal enhancements of andgt in routine measurements Although the product is initially targeted towards an academic market we expect that it will lay the foundation for a much broader acceptance of the technology in academia and industry and will bring the benefits of DNP to a much broader scientific audience PUBLIC HEALTH RELEVANCE Dynamic Nuclear Polarization DNP has the capability to enhance the inherently small signal intensities observed in an NMR experiment by several orders of magnitude and can therefore dramatically increase the overall NMR sensitivity to accelerate the structure determination process of complex bio macromolecules by NMR spectroscopy This is of great interest for structural biology pharmaceutical research and analytical chemistry areas that are vital for several research projects funded by the U S NIH The proposed technology will result in cost saving of andgt $ million per unit and will enable the proliferation of DNP NMR to a wider audience at lower cost