Summary
Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) spectroscopy is a powerful analytical technique that provides atomic-level structural information, as well as insights into molecular dynamics and interactions, for samples in both solution and solid states. At the Yokohama campus of RIKEN, multiple state-of-the-art NMR spectrometers, including 900 MHz systems, are available and operated as a shared research infrastructure accessible to researchers from both academia and industry, within and outside RIKEN.
NMR is widely used not only for the structural analysis of biomacromolecules but also across a broad range of research fields, including organic chemistry, materials science, drug discovery, and energy science. In recent years, advances in measurement techniques and data analysis methods have significantly expanded its scope of application.
This facility contributes to the advancement of NMR research in Japan by providing access to cutting-edge instrumentation and comprehensive technical support, including experimental design, measurement optimization, and data analysis. By leveraging this platform, we aim to promote interdisciplinary research and development, enhance scientific and technological capabilities, and foster the creation of new innovations.
NMR is widely used not only for the structural analysis of biomacromolecules but also across a broad range of research fields, including organic chemistry, materials science, drug discovery, and energy science. In recent years, advances in measurement techniques and data analysis methods have significantly expanded its scope of application.
This facility contributes to the advancement of NMR research in Japan by providing access to cutting-edge instrumentation and comprehensive technical support, including experimental design, measurement optimization, and data analysis. By leveraging this platform, we aim to promote interdisciplinary research and development, enhance scientific and technological capabilities, and foster the creation of new innovations.
Noritaka Nishida Ph.D.
Activity
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We provide more than access to NMR instrumentation by offering comprehensive, end-to-end support―from measurement optimization and user training to spectral interpretation and data analysis?tailored to each user’s research objectives and stage of development. This approach allows us to accommodate a wide range of needs, from first-time users to specialists requiring advanced analytical capabilities.
- Major Application Areas and Objectives
- ● Life Sciences and Drug Discovery
- o Structural and dynamical analysis of biomacromolecules (proteins, nucleic acids, etc.)
- o Analysis of biomacromolecule?small molecule interactions
- ● Organic and Polymer Materials
- o Characterization of polymer architectures, including branching and end-group structures
- o Evaluation of molecular dynamics and phase transition behavior
- ● Pharmaceuticals and Quality Control
- o Quality control (QC/QA), impurity analysis, and batch-to-batch comparison
- o Analysis of pharmaceutical polymorphs and solid-state properties
- ● Inorganic and Functional Materials
- o Local structural analysis of functional inorganic and hybrid materials
- o Evaluation of defect structures and coordination environments
- ● Energy and Device Materials
- o Analysis of ion diffusion and local environments in battery materials (e.g., lithium-ion batteries)
- o Characterization of electrode?electrolyte interfaces
- ● Other Applications
- o Structural characterization and degradation analysis of dental materials, ceramics, and composites
- o Structure determination of trace natural products and isomer discrimination
- o Measurement of diffusion coefficients for liquid and gas samples
NMR offers considerable flexibility, as its applications vary depending on the combination of magnetic field strength and probe configuration. At this NMR platform, we operate high-resolution spectrometers ranging from 900 MHz to 400 MHz. For solution-state studies, we provide high-sensitivity, high-resolution measurement environments optimized primarily for the observation of 1H, 13C, 15N, and 19F nuclei. These capabilities support precise structural analyses across diverse fields, including organic chemistry, life sciences, and pharmaceutical research. For solid-state measurements, in addition to the nuclei listed above, we have extensive experience in observing a wide variety of nuclei, including 7Li, 11B, 27Al, 29Si, 31P, and 35Cl. This enables applications in a broad range of research areas such as inorganic materials, energy-related materials, and polymer science. Furthermore, to accommodate diverse sample properties and experimental requirements, we provide a range of rotor sizes (1 mm, 1.3 mm, 2 mm, and 3.2 mm), allowing flexible implementation of experiments from fast magic-angle spinning (MAS) to conventional solid-state NMR measurements.
Through the integration of advanced instrumentation with technical support, user training, and data analysis expertise, this facility is committed to maximizing the research outcomes of its users.
Resources and Facilities
Number of Shared NMR
Support for external users
For inquiries, please email us at the following address
nmrkaihou@riken.jp