Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Nmr Spectroscopic Characterization Of Nanomaterials And Biopolymers

Nanomaterials have attracted considerable attention in recent research due to their wide applications in various fields such as material science, physical science, electrical engineering, and biomedical engineering. Researchers have developed many methods for synthesizing different types of nanostructures and have further applied them in various applications. However, in many cases, a molecular level understanding of nanoparticles and their associated surface chemistry is lacking investigation. Understanding the surface chemistry of nanomaterials is of great significance for obtaining a better understanding of the properties and functions of the nanomaterials. Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy can provide a familiar means of looking at the molecular structure of molecules bound to surfaces of nanomaterials as well as a method to determine the size of nanoparticles in solution. Here, a combination of NMR spectroscopic techniques including one- and two-dimensional NMR spectroscopies was used to investigate the surface chemistry and physical properties of some common nanomaterials, including for example, thiol-protected gold nanostructures and biomolecule-capped silica nanoparticles. Silk is a natural protein fiber that features unique properties such as excellent mechanical properties, biocompatibility, and non-linear optical properties. These appealing physical properties originate from the silk structure, and therefore, the structural analysis of silk is of great importance for revealing the mystery of these impressive properties and developing novel silk-based biomaterials as well. Here, solid-state NMR spectroscopy was used to elucidate the secondary structure of silk proteins in N. clavipes spider dragline silk and B. mori silkworm silk. It is found that the Gly-Gly-X (X=Leu, Tyr, Gln) motif in spider dragline silk is not in a beta-sheet or alpha-helix structure and is very likely to be present in a disordered structure with evidence for 31-helix confirmation. In addition, the conformations of the Ala, Ser, and Tyr residues in silk fibroin of B. mori were investigated and it indicates that the Ala, Ser, and Tyr residues are all present in disordered structures in silk I (before spinning), while show different conformations in silk II (after spinning). Specifically, in silk II, the Ala and Tyr residues are present in both disordered structures and beta-sheet structures, and the Ser residues are present primarily in beta-sheet structures.

The content of this volume has been added to eMagRes (formerly Encyclopedia of Magnetic Resonance) - the ultimate online resource for NMR and MRI. The field of solid state NMR of biological samples [ssNMR] has blossomed in the past 5-10 years, and a cohesive overview of the technology is needed for new practitioners in industry and academia. This title provides an overview of Solid State NMR methods for studying structure dynamics and ligand-binding in biopolymers, and offers an overview of RF pulse sequences for various applications, including not only a systematic catalog but also a discussion of theoretical tools for analysis of pulse sequences. Practical examples of biochemical applications are included, along with a detailed discussion of the many aspects of sample preparation and handling that make spectroscopy on solid proteins successful. About EMR Handbooks / eMagRes Handbooks The Encyclopedia of Magnetic Resonance (up to 2012) and eMagRes (from 2013 onward) publish a wide range of online articles on all aspects of magnetic resonance in physics, chemistry, biology and medicine. The existence of this large number of articles, written by experts in various fields, is enabling the publication of a series of EMR Handbooks / eMagRes Handbooks on specific areas of NMR and MRI. The chapters of each of these handbooks will comprise a carefully chosen selection of articles from eMagRes. In consultation with the eMagRes Editorial Board, the EMR Handbooks / eMagRes Handbooks are coherently planned in advance by specially-selected Editors, and new articles are written (together with updates of some already existing articles) to give appropriate complete coverage. The handbooks are intended to be of value and interest to research students, postdoctoral fellows and other researchers learning about the scientific area in question and undertaking relevant experiments, whether in academia or industry. Have the content of this Handbook and the complete content of eMagRes at your fingertips! Visit: www.wileyonlinelibrary.com/ref/eMagRes View other eMagRes publications here

Since the introduction of FT-NMR spectroscopy around five decades ago, NMR has achieved significant advances in hardware and methodologies, accompanied with the enhancement of spectral resolution and signal sensitivity. Rapid developments in the polymers field mean that accurate and quantitative characterization of polymer structures and dynamics is the keystone for precisely regulating and controlling the physical and chemical properties of the polymer. This book specifically focuses on NMR investigation of complex polymers for the polymer community as well as NMR spectroscopists, and will push the development of both fields. It covers the latest advances, for example high field DNP and ultrafast MAS methodologies, and show how these novel NMR methods characterize various synthetic and natural polymers.

Nanomaterials Characterization Techniques, Volume Two, part of an ongoing series, offers a detailed analysis of the different types of spectroscopic methods currently being used in nanocharacterization. These include, for example, the Raman spectroscopic method for the characterization of carbon nanotubes (CNTs). This book outlines the different kinds of spectroscopic tools being used for the characterization of nanomaterials and discusses under what conditions each should be used. The book is intended to cover all the major spectroscopic techniques for nanocharacterization, making it an important resource for both the academic community at the research level and the industrial community involved in nanomanufacturing. Explores how spectroscopy and X-ray-based nanocharacterization techniques are applied in modern industry Analyzes all the major spectroscopy and X-ray-based nanocharacterization techniques, allowing the reader to choose the best for their situation Presents a method-orientated approach that explains how to successfully use each technique

Elucidating the structures of biopolymers as they exist in nature has long been a goal of biochemists and biologists. Understanding how these substances interact with themselves, other solutes, and solvents can provide useful insights into many areas of biochemistry, agriculture, food science and medicine. Knowledge of the structure of a protein or complex carbohydrate in its native form provides guidelines for the chemical or genetic modifications often desired to optimize these compounds to specific needs and applications. For example, in the pharmaceutical industry, structure-function relationships involving biopolymers are studied rou tinely as a means to design new drugs and improve their efficacies. The tools to conduct structure investigations of biopolymers at the molecular level are limited in number. Historically X-ray crystallography has been the most attractive method to conduct studies of this type. How ever, X-ray methods can only be applied to highly ordered, crystalline materials, thus obviating studies of solution dynamics that are often critical to attaining a global understanding of biopolymer behavior. In recent years, nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy has evolved to become a powerful tool to probe the structures of biopolymers in solution and in the solid state. NMR provides a means to study the dynamics of polymers in solution, and to examine the effects of solute, solvent and' other factors~n polymer behavior. With the development of 2D and 3D forms of NMR spectroscopy, it is now possible to assess the solution conforma tions of small proteins, oligonucleotides and oligosaccharides.

‘‘Biopolymers’’ are polymeric materials of biological origin, including globular, membrane, and fibrous proteins, polypeptides, nucleic acids, po- saccharides, lipids, etc. and their assembly, although preference to respe- ive subjects may be different among readers who are more interested in their biological significance or industrial and/or medical applications. Nevert- less, characterizing or revealing their secondary structure and dynamics may be an equally very important and useful issue for both kinds of readers. Special interest in revealing the 3D structure of globular proteins, nucleic acids, and peptides was aroused in relation to the currently active Structural Biology. X-ray crystallography and multidimensional solution NMR sp- troscopy have proved to be the standard and indispensable means for this purpose. There remain, however, several limitations to this end, if one intends to expand its scope further. This is because these approaches are not always straightforward to characterize fibrous or membrane proteins owing to extreme difficulty in crystallization in the former, and insufficient spectral resolution due to sparing solubility or increased effective molecular mass in the presence of surrounding lipid bilayers in the latter.

The contemplation of truth and beauty is the proper object for which we were created, which calls forth the most intense desires of the soul, and of which it never tires -Hazlitt In his Nobel lecture Purcell commented that when he saw snow in New England after the discovery of NMR, it appeared like "heaps of protons quietly precessing in earth's magnetic field. " If he were to make the comment in the context of how NMR is being used today, he could have conjured up an image of hydrogen, carbon, and nitrogen nuclei in proteins of an earthbound 8rganism subtly orchestrating a quiet symphony of frequencies, from 150 Hz to 2 kHz, carrying clues to the three-dimensional structure of the macromolecules. The manner in which the basic discoveries of Bloch and Purcell have led to the emergence of NMR, several decades later, as a major technique of biological and medical physics (and chemistry) is a striking example of the power of basic research. It is also a fascinating saga whereby whenever it was felt that the field had reached a plateau, new directions, new technologies, and sometimes serendipity produced new developments that revolutionized the technique and enhanced its capability. As Richard Ernst points out "NMR is intellectually attractive, . . . the practical importance of NMR is enormous, and can justify much of the playful activities of an addicted spectroscopist" (Nobel lecture).

Now in its 43rd volume, the Specialist Periodical Report in Nuclear Magnetic Resonance presents comprehensive and critical reviews of the recent literature, providing the reader with an informed summary of the field from invited authors. Several chapters in this volume are devoted to biochemistry, focussing on carbohydrates, lipids, and proteins and nucleic acids; Malcolm Prior also presents a chapter examining the recent literature of NMR in living systems and Cynthia Jameson reviews the theoretical and physical aspects of nuclear shielding, while Jaroslaw Jazwinski examines the theoretical aspects of spin-spin couplings. The lead volume editor, Krystyna Kamienska-Trela, presents a chapter on the applications of spin-spin couplings. Anyone wishing to update themselves on the recent and hottest developments in NMR will benefit from this volume, which deserves a place in any library or NMR facility. Purchasers of the print edition can register for free access to the electronic edition by returning the enclosed registration card.

Structural details of phosphonic acid functionalized nanomaterials and protic ionic liquids (PILs) were characterized using nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. It is well known that ligands play a critical role in the synthesis and properties of nanomaterials. Therefore, elucidating the details of ligand-surface and ligand-ligand interactions is crucial to understanding nanomaterial systems more completely. In an effort to further the understanding of ligand-surface interactions, a combination of multi-nuclear (1H, 29Si, 31P) and multi-dimensional solid-state NMR techniques were utilized to characterize the phosphonic acid functionalization of fumed silica nanoparticles using methyl phosphonic acid (MPA) and phenyl phosphonic acid (PPA). Quantitative 31P MAS solid-state NMR measurements indicate that ligands favor a monodentate binding mode. Furthermore, 1H-1H single quantum-double quantum (SQ-DQ) back-to-back (BABA) 2D NMR spectra of silica functionalized with MPA and PPA indicate that the MPA and PPA are within 4.2±0.2 Å on the surface of the nanomaterial. The ligand capping of phosphonic acid (PA) functionalized CdSe/ZnS core-shell quantum dots (QDs) was investigated with a combination of ligand exchange, solution and solid-state 31P NMR spectroscopy. In order to quantify the ligand populations on the surface of the QDs, ligand exchange facilitated by PPA resulted in the displacement of the PAs, and allowed for quantification of the free ligands using 31P liquid state NMR. In addition to characterizing nanomaterials, the ionicity and transport properties of a series of diethylmethylamine (DEMA) based protic ionic liquids (PILs) were characterized, principally utilizing NMR. Gas phase proton affinity was shown to be a better predictor for the extent of proton transfer, and in turn the ionicity of the PIL, than using pKa. Furthermore, pulsed field gradient (PFG) NMR was used to determine that the exchangeable proton diffuses with the cation or the anion based on the strength of the acid used to generate the PILs.

This book discusses how greener synthetic pathways are amenable and productive for the synthesis of novel nanomaterials. It furthers the integration of advances in green nanoscience and nanotechnology, including pathways dedicated to the design, development, and fabrication of a range of products and devices. Topics such as green nanotechnology for advanced energy systems, sustainable delivery systems, medicine, agri-nanotechnology for sustainable agriculture, nanotechnology in crop protection, and nanotechnology for soil conservation are included. FEATURES Provides a holistic view of green nanotechnology and its applications Places an emphasis on synthesis, characterization, and applications of green nanomaterials Discusses the development of innovative green synthetic pathways to produce novel biomaterials Includes characterization tools used in the material synthesis via green synthetic pathways Advocates green nanotechnology solutions for sustainability and energy This book is aimed at researchers and professionals in nanotechnology, green chemistry, and chemical engineering.