Silvia Cavagnero, PhD

Abstract

Despite many recent technical advances in structural biology, the analysis of biomolecules in 
solution (as opposed to the crystalline, power or vitrified-ice state) at atomic resolution 
remains challenging. While liquid-state NMR spectroscopy is in principle able to meet this 
challenge, the wide applicability of this technique is hampered by its extremely low sensitivity.
Low-concentration photochemically induced dynamic nuclear polarization (LC-photo-CIDNP) 
is a powerful technology for the hyperpolarization of aromatic amino acids in solution, in 
isolation and within proteins. In this lecture, recent advances and applications will be 
discussed. Remarkably, LC-photo-CIDNP enables rapid NMR data collection in the low 
nanomolar range. 1D and 2D NMR spectra of amino acids and proteins can be easily acquired. 
The LC-photo-CIDNP technology works well for the structural analysis of amino acids and 
proteins in buffered solution and in highly complex media, including cell-like milieux. The 
above exciting advantages pave the way to a variety of applications targeting biological 
questions in situ, at extremely low, and physiologically relevant, sample concentrations.

When: April 19, 2024

Where: North Classroom 1131

Time: 11:00 am - 12:00pm