While reporters look on, Brian Groh (Chemistry & Geology, right) explains the many benefits of the new nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectrometer that was recently given to the Chemistry & Geology Department. Also participating in the July 12 news conference are Patti Kramlinger (University Advancement development officer, right), and Allan Bohlke and Jim Elvecrog of 3M.
One of Minnesota’s most powerful nuclear magnetic resonance spectrometers now resides at Minnesota State Mankato, thanks to a recent gift from 3M Pharmaceuticals.
The 500-megahertz NMR spectrometer, valued at $850,000 when it was new seven years ago, was donated to the University’s Chemistry & Geology Department earlier this month.
The 7-feet tall, 3-feet diameter, 1,600-pound instrument was installed earlier this month in Trafton Science Center, and is one of the state’s most advanced NMR spectrometers outside of Minneapolis. The machine will be moved to the Trafton Science Center’s southeast wing when the new addition is completed next year.
The spectrometer replaces a much older, 200-megahertz instrument.
The new instrument will allow chemistry faculty members and students to conduct advanced, state-of-the-art studies of compound structures, including drugs, proteins, biofluids and other complex compounds.
President Richard Davenport said “3M's gift of this powerful tool will benefit the state of Minnesota in many ways, most importantly by making possible a new level of research within the state university system, and by providing the opportunity for our students to practice cutting-edge molecular research techniques. I thank 3M for its generosity."
“We are thrilled to have this piece of equipment,” said John Frey, dean of the College of Science, Engineering & Technology. Frey said the University is deeply grateful to 3M for the gift, because it will provide advanced molecular analysis experience for students, and will enable new faculty research that will benefit the state, the nation and the world.
“The new instrument will provide hands-on, advanced NMR spectrometer experience for undergraduate students,” said Brian Groh, chair of the Chemistry & Geology Department. “It also will allow us to expand our research to new areas and be more competitive when seeking federal grants for research.”
NMR spectroscopy is the preeminent scientific technique for obtaining physical, chemical, electronic and structural information about the dynamics and three-dimensional structure of organic and some inorganic and organometallic molecules.
NMR spectrometers allow scientists to make new discoveries about molecular and cellular processes – discoveries that have led to breakthroughs in the repair of damaged DNA, cure of diseases such as such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s, synthesis of new pharmaceuticals and protein interactions.
The spectrometers can analyze samples without destroying them, which means that expensive biological samples such as nucleic acids can be studied for many weeks before being subjected to destructive biochemical analysis.
The new instrument provides Minnesota State Mankato scientists with a number of capabilities not previously available. The 500-MHz spectrometer can:
An NMR spectrometer is similar to the magnetic resonance imagers used in hospitals and clinics, except NMRs use stronger magnetic fields and can study smaller samples.
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