Magic-angle spinning dynamic nuclear polarization (MAS-DNP) has been proven to be a powerful technique to enhance the sensitivity of solid-state NMR (SSNMR) in a wide range of systems. Here, we show that DNP can be used to polarize lipids using a lipid-anchored polarizing agent. More specifically, we introduce a C16-functionalized biradical, which allows localization of the polarizing agents in the lipid bilayer and DNP experiments to be performed in the absence of excess cryo-protectant molecules (glycerol, dimethyl sulfoxide, etc.). This constitutes another original example of the matrix-free DNP approach that we recently introduced.

Matrix‐Free DNP on Lipid Membranes Dynamic nuclear polarization (DNP) has been proven to be a powerful technique to enhance the sensitivity of solid‐state NMR. However, until now, there has been limited success in its application to synthetic membrane‐type systems. In their Communication on , G. De Paëpe et al. present an innovative approach based on system‐driven radical design in order to insert the polarizing agent inside a lipid bilayer. Combined with matrix‐free DNP, this strategy solves additive‐induced problems by releasing the need for a DNP‐compatible solvent.