Upgrade of a 400 MHZ NMR supporting undergraduate research and education

The National Institute of General Medical Sciences awarded Indiana State University $247,801 on September 1, 2026, to upgrade a 400 MHz nuclear magnetic resonance spectrometer supporting undergraduate research and education under the Biomedical Research and Research Training program (CFDA 93.859).

The Department of Chemistry and Physics will install a Quad Systems 400 MHz NMR broadband spectrometer equipped with a light probe and 100-sample changer while retaining the existing magnet. The new probe delivers 500:1 1H sensitivity—twice the current capability—reducing acquisition times by 75%. The 100-sample changer addresses courses generating up to 80 samples daily. The current 19-year-old Bruker Avance II 400 MHz spectrometer, installed in 2006, has sustained a critical two-month failure requiring replacement as the only superconducting NMR system at the institution. The new system will enable kinetic and conversion studies of photochemical reactions and drastically reduce acquisition times for 13C, 31P, 29SI, and 15N nuclei, expanding research in organosilicate pharmaceutical synthesis, bioactive natural product structure elucidation, antibacterial development, and environmental phosphorus cycling. Faculty including Drs. Ryan Van Hoveln, Richard Fitch, Justin Miller, and Jennifer Latimer depend on advanced NMR capabilities for their research programs.

Performance occurs in Terre Haute, Indiana, with a period of performance ending August 31, 2027.

Abstract

The department of chemistry and physics at indiana state university requests funding for a quad systems 400 MHZ NMR broadband spectrometer, equipped with a light probe and a 100-sample changer, while retaining our existing magnet. This new probe's 500:1 1H sensitivity is twice that of our current one, reducing acquisition times by 75%. The 100-sample changer is essential for courses that generate up to 80 samples per day. This system is crucial and will enable a wide array of research at ISU for many years. Our 19-year-old bruker avance II 400 MHZ spectrometer, installed in 2006, has provided exemplary service but is failing. Recent repairs haven't resolved a critical, two-month-long failure, which has significantly impeded research, as IT is our only superconducting NMR. We'VE tentatively chosen quad systems to introduce competition to the market, offering better pricing, a longer warranty, and superior support. Major users, including DRS. Ryan van hoveln, richard fitch, justin miller, and jennifer latimer, critically depend on advanced NMR for their research, ranging from the use of organosilicates in pharmaceutical synthesis to the structure elucidation of bioactive natural products, antibacterial development, and environmental phosphorus cycling. A significant hurdle is the limited sensitivity and acquisition efficiency of our existing system, which requires prohibitively long acquisition times (13C, 31P, and even longer for 29SI and 15N, particularly for environmental and natural product samples with limited quantity and/or solubility). The new, more sensitive system will drastically reduce these times, expanding research possibilities. The light probe will enable kinetic and conversion studies of photochemical reactions not accessible with our current system. Beyond research, this upgrade has a profound impact on student mentorship and the development of the biomedical workforce. In organic chemistry labs (chem 352L and 355), nearly 100 students annually, many of whom are pre-healthcare students, learn NMR and use the instrument hands-on. The biochemistry lab (chem 431L) will use the upgraded system for 19F NMR ligand binding experiments, providing 20-30 students annually with hands-on, career-ready skills in biochemical and biomedical research. This practical NMR experience is vital to preparing students for scientific careers. Undergraduate research students in our summer undergraduate research experiences (sure) program gain the most in-depth experience with the instrument, equipping them with critical skills for pursuing graduate studies and/or entering the workforce.