SEOUL, August 13, 2024, -- Bruker Corporation is pleased to announce the successful installation and acceptance of a 1.2 GHz Avance Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) spectrometer at the Korea Basic Science Institute ( KBSI ), just in time before the start of the ICMRBS 2024 conference in Korea. As the first 1.2 GHz NMR system in the Asia-Pacific region, it sets a new benchmark for molecular, cell biology and disease research by ultra-high field NMR.

This underscores KBSI’s unwavering commitment to innovation in research infrastructure, cementing its status as a world-class fundamental research institute. This cutting-edge 1.2 GHz NMR spectrometer further enhances KBSI’s capabilities in biomolecular structure analysis and drug development, pushing the boundaries of protein NMR research. Ultra-high field NMR provides excellent sensitivity and unprecedented resolution, enabling researchers to observe functional molecular dynamics and structural rearrangements in real time. Complementary to other structural biology technologies, GHz-class NMR allows KBSI to elucidate complex biological processes, such as protein-ligand interactions and the behavior of intrinsically disordered proteins, which are crucial for understanding disease mechanisms and developing new therapeutic strategies.

Dr. Hae-Kap Cheong, Manager of the UHF NMR system at KBSI, expressed his enthusiasm: “When using the 1.2 GHz instrument, the opportunities for small molecule research made me speechless. In particular, the structural elucidation of natural products will be greatly beneficial.”

Dr. Donghan Lee, Scientific Researcher at KBSI, adds: “As Richard Feynman said, ‘Everything that living things do can be understood in terms of the jiggling and wiggling of atoms.’ The function of biomolecules can be understood by their dynamic nature. In particular, the functional conformation of biomolecules may be hidden because of their dynamic nature. With the 1.2 GHz instrument, the detection of these conformations enables the unprecedented identification of functional conformations.”

KBSI is dedicated to advancing scientific research through state-of-the-art technology and innovative research facilities. As a platform for global basic research, KBSI connects research facilities, equipment, and researchers, driving the future of science and technology in the Asia-Pacific region. With its mission to lead the innovation of research facilities and equipment, KBSI continues to support advanced analytical research and joint research initiatives in Korea and beyond.

Dr. Kyoung-Seok Ryu, Director of the Biopharmaceutical Research Center at KBSI, added: “The application of the 1.2 GHz instrument includes mechanistic understanding, in particular, the mode-of-action of drug-target binding and molecular communication. Furthermore, studying intrinsically disordered or partially disordered proteins with the 1.2 GHz NMR instrument can elucidate the functional mechanisms underlying neurodegeneration.”

KBSI will utilize the 1.2 GHz spectrometer for a diverse range of research applications, including the study of biomolecular structures and the development of new drugs. This ultra-high field NMR instrument will support other KBSI research in biomedical multiomics, bioimaging, and the development of diagnostic methods for infectious diseases. The broader benefits of this research will extend to advancements in medical research, materials science, and other critical fields.

Dr. Falko Busse, President of Bruker BioSpin, commented: “We are thrilled to see the 1.2 GHz NMR become a key part of KBSI’s research infrastructure. Grateful for the trust from KBSI, we look forward to the scientific advancements that will emerge. We are pleased to offer a tour of the 1.2 GHz NMR at KBSI during the International Conference on Magnetic Resonance in Biological Systems.”

With the installation at KBSI, there are now 22 GHz-class NMR spectrometers installed worldwide, including two in the Asia-Pacific region. This demonstrates the growing recognition of the value GHz-class NMR brings to scientific research. Together with the first single-story 1.0 GHz NMR already installed in Japan, KBSI’s 1.2 GHz highlights the need for cutting-edge research infrastructure.