MU scientist Colleen Ray loads samples into a nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy machine to be tested.

Former MU scientist Colleen Ray loads samples in a nuclear magnetic resonance spectrometer. Before taking a position in May as an engineer at Los Alamos National Laboratory, Ray worked with colleagues to develop a novel method to detect whether food products have been modified or adulterated with fillers like vegetable oil. Pate McCuien photo

The University of Missouri’s Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) advanced technology core facility helps researchers, especially those in chemistry, biochemistry and engineering, analyze the properties and dynamics of molecules. 

NMR tools help scientists determine the content and purity of different substances like food products, analyze abnormal cellular behavior to detect cancer biomarkers, characterize environmental contaminants, develop new pharmaceuticals and more.

“The NMR facility was established in the early 1980s and was the first research core on campus,” said Michael Greenlief, associate professor of chemistry and core director. “We train research scientists, postdocs and students on the operation of the spectrometers, and most collect their own data.”

Greenlief shares more details about this important campuswide resource.

Why do researchers use the NMR core?

NMR spectroscopy is used to help determine the structure of molecules and for the study of chemical and biological reactions. NMR instrumentation and principles are similar to those used in MRIs. However, instead of using data to create images of the body, scientists use NMR-generated data to study the physical, chemical and biological properties of matter.

What are the core’s research capabilities?

The NMR facility has six spectrometers in three locations within the Chemistry Building, Molecular Imaging and Theranostics Center and Schweitzer Hall. The magnetic field strength of our instruments ranges from 300 to 800 megahertz (MHz). Investigators use the less powerful spectrometers to examine small molecules and the 600- and 800-MHz instruments to study large molecules, peptides and proteins.

The core’s 800-MHz spectrometer in Schweitzer Hall is the largest in Missouri.

The core’s 800-MHz spectrometer in Schweitzer Hall is the largest in Missouri.

What services and training does the core offer?

We can provide technical advice on the application of NMR techniques to research problems, including experimental design and data analysis. Providing hands-on training in the operation of NMR spectrometers and data reduction for research is a major priority. In fact, students are surprised that, once trained, they can use the spectrometers themselves.

How are researchers using the core?
  • Wesley Bernskoetter, professor of chemistry, is using the NMR core to examine inorganic and organometallic complexes that could help address the planet’s energy challenges. Supported by the U.S. Department of Energy, he is developing new catalysts to fix hydrogen and carbon dioxide into safe and convenient liquid fuels.
  • Michael Harmata, Norman Rabjohn Distinguished Professor of Chemistry, is using the core to analyze the structure of novel molecules synthesized in his lab. His research, which encompasses many areas of organic chemistry, is supported by the National Science Foundation.
  • Xiao Heng, associate professor of biochemistry, uses the core to examine the structure of RNA complexes and virus-host interactions in research funded by the National Institutes of Health. She seeks to understand the mechanism of HIV-1 viral replication. 
How does the core work with external researchers and commercial entities? 

The NMR facility also analyzes samples for researchers off campus. For example, we routinely elucidate the structures of molecules for Eurofins, a life science company in Columbia that offers analytical testing and product development services.

What is the best way to request services? 

Send general questions to nmr@missouri.edu. For more specific inquiries, contact Shaokai Jiang, senior research specialist, at 573-884-2694 or jiangs@missouri.edu.