Enhancing magnetic resonance provision: solution NMR characterisation and MRI spatial resolution

Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) spectroscopy is the prime analytical technique across most chemical research. An effective, leading NMR capability is essential for chemistry research. The requested equipment for NMR provision is an investment to save activity ­– manufacturer support for most of the School of Physical Sciences (SPS) NMR spectrometers has ceased or will cease shortly and instruments have begun to fail. Without upgrade there is a risk that this key underpinning core capability at the University of Liverpool (UoL) will become unavailable. The related technique of Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is also increasingly an essential tool for physical sciences research. For the MRI scanner in the Centre for Pre-clinical Imaging (CPI), an upgrade of the hardware is necessary to enable higher-resolution and higher-sensitivity MR spectroscopic methods which are currently beyond the system’s capabilities. This will enable EPSRC projects for example by MR imaging of materials (e.g. polymers and gels) and of drug formulations in living tissue. The proposed equipment underpins UoL activities in the EPSRC themes of Physical Sciences, Energy, Healthcare Technologies, and Manufacturing the Future. The proposed investment not only will allow existing research to continue (80% of Chemistry research groups use NMR facilities with 45 SPS groups being regular users) and will futureproof the NMR facilities and substantially extend the capability and lifespan of the MRI scanner enabling new research directions to be pursued. The equipment will be included in structures that enable multi-user access, in particular, facilitating the work of early career researchers, empowering them to make groundbreaking discoveries that have the potential to benefit society: from the development of next-generation materials to the optimisation of clean energy technologies and the creation of life-saving drugs. Supported by the SPS with strong record on delivering NMR as a shared facility, we propose to acquire the following transformative technologies revitalising the NMR facilities and upgrading the MRI hardware to underpin UoL’s world-leading research: i) a state-of-the-art 400 MHz NMR system reusing an existing magnet that is in good condition enabling multichannel acquisition and equipped with an automation system to streamline sample handling giving significant gains in efficiency and capacity, ii) upgrade of an existing NMR system with a modern broadband probe and low temperature setup to allow multinuclear variable-temperature acquisition, thus providing new, open access capabilities, and iii) a high-power removable imaging gradient insert and microimaging coil for the existing 9.4 T MR scanner designed for high resolution, high sensitivity imaging of smaller samples (~1-12 mm) to dramatically improve achievable spatial resolution, signal-to-noise ratio, and scanning speed. This proposal meets all objectives of the call, viz. underpinning multi-user equipment, investing to save,and support early career researchers and doctoral training activities and will futureproof core analytical capability essential to the research community supporting the wide range of EPSRC-funded research programmes in the SPS and University-wide. The proposed upgrade to SPS NMR and CPI MRI facilities will not only solidify our position at the forefront of EPSRC-funded research but also empower researchers to make groundbreaking discoveries that have the potential to benefit society: from the development of next-generation materials to the optimisation of clean energy technologies and the creation of life-saving drugs, this strategic investment in the core facilities will support our collective research ambitions.