Ultra fast MAS NMR

People working with me on this project at CRMN: C. Ollier (PhD student), Z. Sun (post-doc), S. Medina-Gomez (post-doc), T. Le Marchand (IR CNRS).

Collaborators: Dr. K. Grohe, A. Purea, F. Engelke and S. Wegner (Bruker Biospin, DE); Pr. T. Polenova (Univ. Delaware, USA).

Ultra-fast magic-angle spinning (MAS) NMR spectroscopy brings unmatched speed and resolution, fundamentally transforming molecular structural and dynamic analysis. This project aims to push NMR spectroscopy’s boundaries even further, offering researchers a more powerful tool to advance scientific discovery.
With increasing spinning speeds, we observe substantial improvements in 1H resolution and coherence lifetimes, and even greater advancements are anticipated with the upcoming ultra-fast probes. In partnership with Bruker, we’re developing a prototype probe for the 1000 MHz spectrometer, capable of spinning over 150 kHz (>150,000 revolutions per second!). This will allow unprecedented sensitivity and resolution, enabling 1H-detection in samples as small as 200 μg or for larger biological targets like membrane-associated systems and amyloid fibrils.
By boosting the MAS rate from 100 to over 150 kHz, we expect a twofold increase in sensitivity and resolution, alongside notably extended 1H coherence lifetimes. This also minimises RF requirements for decoupling and enhances sensitivity and resolution in 3D correlation experiments. Key challenges lie ahead: first, developing protocols to fill the new miniature rotors—starting with model hydrated microcrystalline preparations and later advancing to membrane proteins in lipids. Second, we’ll focus on optimising spectroscopic tools to maximise efficiency in this advanced MAS regime.

See: Le Marchand et al. Chem Rev 2022, 122, 9943.