High Resolution NMR Spectroscopy

Leadership

Len Spicer, PhD
919-684-4327
spicer@biochem.duke.edu

Resource Overview

The Duke Cancer Institute's High Resolution Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) Shared Resource is an integral part of the Duke University NMR Spectroscopy Center.

The NMR Shared Resource provides members of the Duke Comprehensive Cancer Center with cost-effective access to state-of-the-art instrumentation for the characterization of biomolecules, metabolites, and molecular assemblies and enables the study of molecular mechansims of biomedical interest.

For structural biology, a full suite of methods for the determination of protein structures is provided and supported by experienced senior scientists.

The resource maintains an interactive, hands-on environment for investigators interested in using advanced as well as routine NMR methods in their cancer research and encourages interdisciplinary collaborative efforts.

Services Available

• Training in the use of the instrumentation
• Assistance in planning and implementing experiments
• Consultation and collaboration with two full time PhD level senior staff members who are experts in advanced applications using these techniques for biochemical and biomedical research
• Development of new methods and implementation of new techniques for acquiring and analyzing NMR data

Instrumentation

• A state-of-the-art ultra-high field 800 MHz spectrometer with a new generation Varian NMR console, fully configured with four channels, dual receivers and a high sensitivity 1H/13C/15N cryogenic probe with 13C enhanced sensitivity as well as a room temperature triple probe with pulsed field gradients (PFG)
• A 600 MHz Varian Inova NMR spectrometer with four channel capability and 1H/13C/15N cryogenic probe as well as a room temperature triple PFG probe and a 1H dedicated probe
• A 500 MHz Varian spectrometer with a new generation Varian NMR console having five-channel capability and dual receivers. Probes available include a new 1H(19F)/13C/15N triple, 1H/13C/15N triple, 5mM PFG inverse and a 10mM broadband
• A second fully configured four channel 500 MHz Varian Inova spectrometer with 1H/13C/15N triple and 5mM indirect H(X) probes for chemical applications
• A 400 MHz Varian Inova spectrometer with a 4-nucleus PFG probe and a PFG inverse probe
• A walk-up 300 MHz Varian Mercury spectrometer with a 4-nucleus probe for routine molecular applications

Location

The High Resolution NMR Shared Resource is located on the first floor of the B-wing in the Levine Science Research Center (LSRC) and maintains 5,000 square feet of modern laboratory and office space conveniently accessible to all members of the Duke Comprehensive Cancer Center.

The space was custom designed to house these facilities, providing ideal, environmentally controlled rooms for the sophisticated NMR instrumentation. The overall design of the resource is intended to encourage interactive communication among users.