Instruments and Services
Bruker E-Scan Tabletop Electron Paramagnetic Resonance Spectrometer
The Electron Paramagnetic Resonance Spectroscopy Facility houses a Bruker E-Scan Tabletop Electron Paramagnetic Resonance Spectrometer and utilizes spin probes to measure levels of free radicals, such as superoxide in biological samples. Services include experimental design consultation, collection and processing of samples (cell culture, blood, and/or tissue), running samples in the spectrometer, and data analysis and interpretation. Users can be trained to independently operate the spectrometer.
The e-scan spectrometer resonator cavity and sample holder allows uses to detect free radicals in biological samples (e.g. cell culture, blood, and/or tissue) at 37oC or frozen temperatures.
Electron Paramagnetic Resonance (EPR) is a spectroscopic technique that detects species that have unpaired electrons. It is also often called Electron Spin Resonance. A surprisingly large number of materials have unpaired electrons. These include free radicals, many transition metal ions, and defects in materials. Free electrons are often short-lived, but still play crucial roles in many processes such as photosynthesis, oxidation, catalysis, and polymerization reactions. As a result, EPR crosses several disciplines including chemistry, physics, biology, materials science, medical science and many more.