# NMR console upgrade for structural biology and metabolomics

> **NIH NIH S10** · UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA · 2020 · $600,000

## Abstract

We are requesting funds for the replacement of an Agilent VNMRS NMR console and Agilent
cryoplatform for a 14.1 T (600 MHz 1H) NMR spectrometer located in the Advanced Magnetic
Resonance Imaging and Spectroscopy (AMRIS) Facility at the University of Florida. The current
spectrometer is our flagship instrument for low sensitivity NMR samples due to a world unique
cryoprobe that has high temperature superconducting (HTS) coils built by the National High
Magnetic Field Laboratory (NHMFL) optimized for both 13C and 1H-detection. This instrument
supports research in three primary areas: structural biology, small molecule discovery projects
associated with drug development, and metabolic flux studies. Over the last 1.5 years, the console
has suffered major console failures resulting in significant (25%) down time while the failed
components are identified and replaced. Repair times have been exasperated as Agilent has left
the NMR market and ended its support for this console on November 1, 2017 with components
only provided on “commercially reasonable effort basis” until November 2020. The console also
lacks accessories needed for high throughput, automated operation. The development of the next
generation HTS cryoprobe (optimized for 1H, 13C, 15N and 2H detection) for this instrument is
already underway through our NIH P41-funded BTRR “National Resource for Advanced NMR
Technology” and is expected to be completed in 2020. Funds are requested to replace the aging
console with a Bruker Avance Neo console and cryoplatform with automation accessories. In
addition to improving the reliability of the NMR equipment, the new console will enhance our
technical capabilities, improve sensitivity relative to our current console, and enable seamless
integration of the new HTS cryoprobe. The automation and quality control features of the console
will enable maximum sample throughput. The AMRIS Facility supports a broad range of NIH-
funded research projects and our four dedicated technical staff have over 100 years of experience
working in biological MR research with specific expertise in NMR spectroscopy, technology
development, microimaging, and animal MRI. The new console is critical to the success of the
NIH-funded research of a group of eight major users (M. Agbandje-McKenna, J. Brady, Y. Ding,
M. Harris, J. Long, H. Luesch, M. Merritt, and J. Rudolf) and two service cores (through the P41-
funded Resource and the user program of the NSF-funded National High Magnetic Field
Laboratory). These user groups undertake studies that are extremely demanding from a
sensitivity, resolution, and stability standpoint. A number of the projects are directly relevant to
the diagnosis and treatment of human disease.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 9954834
- **Project number:** 1S10OD028753-01
- **Recipient organization:** UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA
- **Principal Investigator:** Joanna R Long
- **Activity code:** S10 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2020
- **Award amount:** $600,000
- **Award type:** 1
- **Project period:** 2020-06-20 → 2022-06-19

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/9954834

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 9954834, NMR console upgrade for structural biology and metabolomics (1S10OD028753-01). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-23 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/9954834. Licensed CC0.

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