Translational Technology Resources

Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) Core Facility (DOE)

• Provides advanced nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectrometers and related equipment for the study of macromolecular structure and dynamics in solution by experienced users. In this capacity the core facility primarily provides the research tools in which to perform detailed measurements on complex biological systems.
• Provides non-expert members of the DOE laboratory with access to NMR spectroscopy for more routine applications. These applications include: screening wild-type and mutated protein samples to determine their structural integrity, making small molecule binding affinity measurements, and temperature and denaturant studies of protein stability.

NMR Instrumentation. The facility contains three high field NMR spectrometers. All three spectrometers are equipped with multiple radiofrequency channels and three-axis field gradients and can perform almost all of the current, multi-dimensional, homo- and heteronuclear NMR experiments. The facility also contains various small equipment to enable the preparation of samples and the modification of solution conditions without the need to return to the main laboratories. This equipment includes a pH-meter, temperature controlled water bath, magnetic stirrer with heating plates, and pipetting equipment.

Location is ideal for NMR Instrumentation. The facility is located in the Molecular Science Building in a room that was constructed to optimally house NMR instrumentation. The room houses only NMR spectrometers and related equipment and is positioned in a single story addition that isolates the facility from vibrations and magnetic disturbances. In this way optimal field homogeneity and long term stability are achieved. The room is also equipped with an air conditioning and temperature control system that maintains a reliable and uniform environment. Other special room features include: an air drying unit that provides dry compressed air for the spectrometers and liquid nitrogen transfer lines that connect the liquid nitrogen tanks located in the service corridor to the magnets. These lines enable easy nitrogen fills of the magnets while eliminating potential magnetic field disturbances at other systems. Each spectrometer is also equipped with a 6000 kVA un-interruptable power supply unit (Powerware Prestige 6000, manufactured by Power Protection Systems Inc.) that ensures stable and clean power for spectrometers and computers. The units can provide ca. 15 minutes of emergency power in case of a total power failure.

The UCLA-DOE NMR Core Facility has two primary modes of operation. At present, almost all of the instrument time is shared between the Clubb and Feigon laboratories which use more advanced NMR spectroscopic techniques in their research programs. In the second mode of operation the facility serves the needs of members of the DOE laboratory and the university community by performing more basic NMR experiments and by providing training and supervision of inexperienced users.

Instrumentation in the facility is maintained by the facility manager and members of the two primary research teams. The manager either supervises or actively participates in cryogen fills, software and hardware upgrades, general system maintenance and trouble-shoots any problems that arise. The facility manager also provides assistance and training to all spectrometer users to help them successfully complete their research projects.