Cryogenic sample exchange NMR probe for magic angle spinning dynamic nuclear polarization

J Magn Reson. 2009 Jun;198(2):261-70. doi: 10.1016/j.jmr.2009.03.003. Epub 2009 Mar 17.

Abstract

We describe a cryogenic sample exchange system that dramatically improves the efficiency of magic angle spinning (MAS) dynamic nuclear polarization (DNP) experiments by reducing the time required to change samples and by improving long-term instrument stability. Changing samples in conventional cryogenic MAS DNP/NMR experiments involves warming the probe to room temperature, detaching all cryogenic, RF, and microwave connections, removing the probe from the magnet, replacing the sample, and reversing all the previous steps, with the entire cycle requiring a few hours. The sample exchange system described here-which relies on an eject pipe attached to the front of the MAS stator and a vacuum jacketed dewar with a bellowed hole-circumvents these procedures. To demonstrate the excellent sensitivity, resolution, and stability achieved with this quadruple resonance sample exchange probe, we have performed high precision distance measurements on the active site of the membrane protein bacteriorhodopsin. We also include a spectrum of the tripeptide N-f-MLF-OH at 100K which shows 30 Hz linewidths.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Bacteriorhodopsins / chemistry
  • Cold Temperature
  • Lysine / chemistry
  • Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy / instrumentation
  • Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy / methods*
  • Microwaves
  • Nitrogen
  • Optical Fibers
  • Retinaldehyde / chemistry
  • Spectrophotometry, Ultraviolet
  • Temperature

Substances

  • Bacteriorhodopsins
  • Lysine
  • Nitrogen
  • Retinaldehyde