Magic‐angle spinning (MAS) NMR coupled with dynamic nuclear polarization (DNP) has the possibility to increase the sensitivity of MAS NMR by several orders of magnitude. While DNP enables many experiments that are sensitivity limited, such as those on dilute samples or those that measure long‐range distances, interpretation of DNP NMR spectra is often limited by broad lines and chemical shift degeneracy. Segmental isotopic labeling using split intein technology can provide an opportunity to overcome this issue. Isotopic labeling of only a segment of a protein that is otherwise unlabeled reduces the chemical shift degeneracy. In this article, we describe the current state of the art for producing segmentally isotopically labeled proteins using split inteins. We discuss some of the potential applications of segmental isotopic labeling, particularly those that exploit the increased experimental sensitivity of DNP‐enhanced MAS NMR spectroscopy
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Characterization of dielectric properties and their impact on MAS-DNP NMR applications
The dielectric properties of materials play a crucial role in the propagation and absorption of microwave beams employed in Magic Angle Spinning − Dynamic Nuclear Polarization (MAS-DNP) NMR experiments. Despite ongoing optimization efforts in sample preparation, routine MAS-DNP NMR applications often fall short of theoretical sensitivity limits. Offering a different perspective, we report the refractive indices and extinction coefficients of diverse materials used in MAS-DNP NMR experiments, spanning a frequency range from 70 to 960 GHz. Knowledge of their dielectric properties enables the accurate simulation of electron nutation frequencies, thereby guiding the design of more efficient hardware and sample preparation of biological or material samples. This is illustrated experimentally for four different rotor materials (sapphire, yttria-stabilized zirconia (YSZ), aluminum nitride (AlN), and SiAlON ceramics) used for DNP at 395 GHz/1H 600 MHz. Finally, electromagnetic simulations and state-of-the-art MAS-DNP numerical simulations provide a rational explanation for the observed magnetic field dependence of the enhancement when using nitroxide biradicals, offering insights that will improve MAS-DNP NMR at high magnetic fields.
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- Award ID(s):
- 2203405
- PAR ID:
- 10527927
- Publisher / Repository:
- Elsevier Inc.
- Date Published:
- Journal Name:
- Journal of Magnetic Resonance
- ISSN:
- 1090-7807
- Page Range / eLocation ID:
- 107742
- Subject(s) / Keyword(s):
- Dielectric Properties Microwaves Terahertz Instrumentation Electron Paramagnetic Resonance Ceramics Sample preparation
- Format(s):
- Medium: X
- Sponsoring Org:
- National Science Foundation
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