Kingston University makes major investment in advanced Nuclear Magnetic Resonance equipment to enhance research capabilities

Posted Tuesday 5 March 2024

Kingston University has acquired two top of the range chemical instruments that give greater capacity to explore solid samples with precision and sensitivity. The above is the 600MHz Avance Neo Nuclear Magnetic Resonance.

Top of the range chemical equipment that will allow more detailed analysis of complex mixtures and materials has been installed at Kingston University's School of Life Sciences, Pharmacy and Chemistry.

Following an investment of almost £750,000, the University has purchased two high-end 400MHz and 600MHz Avance Neo Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) instruments. It has also acquired a CPMAS III solid-state NMR probe for the 400MHz instrument, supplied by industry partner Haleon Plc, that will enable analysis of solid materials using a powerful method known as Magic Angle Spinning.The 400MHz Avance Neo Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) instrument will enable analysis of solid materials.

The new 400MHz and 600MHz Avance Neo Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) instruments, which can be used by undergraduate, postgraduate and PhD students at the University's Penrhyn Road campus, will give greater capacity to explore solid samples with precision and sensitivity – opening up opportunities for groundbreaking discoveries in the field. The enhanced skills students gain using the new equipment will also improve their employability.

School Director for Research and Enterprise Professor Adam Le Gresley said the investment in the equipment demonstrated the University's commitment to scientific research in analytical chemistry. It would also help foster greater collaboration and knowledge exchange.

One of the most significant advantages of having such a cutting-edge NMR suite was the fact the new equipment would considerably expand the number of elements that could be examined, Professor Le Gresley said. "The new apparatus will mean it's now possible to look at multiple nuclei and the whole gamut of the periodic table, rather than simply protons, carbons and fluorines. It markedly increases our research capacity, putting us ahead of other competitors in the field," he said.

It is also hoped installation of the equipment will open the door to new strategic partnerships, boosting income generation and funding streams. "It expands our ability to undertake larger and more advanced projects, with the potential for some really exciting collaborations and ventures with partners and other universities in the study of complex mixtures," Professor Le Gresley said.

The Faculty's latest investment in driving advances in teaching and research follows on from the installation of two high specification pharmacy laboratories opened by healthcare pioneer Dame Elizabeth Anionwu at the University in 2023.