High-Resolution NMR Probe for Experiments at High Pressures

High-Resolution, High-Pressure NMR Studies of Proteins

“…The great potential of the high-resolution, high-pressure NMR techniques for studies of proteins (Jonas and Jonas, 1994) provided the motivation for our efforts in improving the performance of high-resolution, high-pressure NMR probes. We have discussed our own progress (Ballard et al, 1996) in the development of high-pressure NMR instrumentation, based on the autoclave-style approach, in which both the sample and the RF coil are located in a nonmagnetic, high-pressure vessel. In this contribution we focus on the very recent development (Ballard et al, 1998) of a highsensitivity, high-resolution NMR probe operating at 500 MHz and at pressures of up to 500 MPa.…”

Pressure-induced changes in the folded structure of lysozyme

“…The pressure can be regulated at will in the range between 1 and 2000 bar (measured with a Heise Bourdon gauge) with a hand-pump remotely located from the 17.6 Tesla magnet (Japan Magnet Technology), and is transmitted through a six metre-long stainless steel tube containing kerosene to the sample solution in the NMR probe. The advantage of this method over the pressurized NMR probe method (Ballard et al, 1996) is that any commercially available NMR spectrometers and probes can be used for measurement. A similar high pressure cell technique using a glass sample tube (Wagner, 1980) or a sapphire sample tube (Urbauer et al, 1996) was employed.…”

A High-Pressure, High-Resolution NMR Probe for Experiments at 500 MHz

“…The 5-kbar pressure generation system used for the new system is similar to our earlier systems (4,5), with CS 2 as the pressure transmitting fluid. Since the probe circuit can tune at either 300 or 500 MHz, two different NMR pressure vessels are being used.…”

“…1) from low magnetic susceptibility oxygen-free copper (Wesgo, Inc., Belmont, CA). The coil is incorporated into the RF circuits described previously (4,9).…”

“…In addition to its fundamental thermodynamic value, pressure can also be used as a tool which allows one to cool aqueous solutions well below the atmospheric freezing point of water and thereby study such interesting biochemical phenomena as cold denaturation (3). We have recently reviewed our own progress in developing high-pressure NMR instrumentation and have described several applications of the technique to biochemistry (3)(4)(5).…”