Bruker BioSpin is the manufacturer of all of MSU’s NMR instrumentation, which is proprietary hardware used to monitor magnetic properties of chemical compounds. The proposed purchase is for accessories that will enable the NMR facility to collect and analyze NMR spectra of solid materials (solid-state NMR). Specifically, these accessories include: • Solid-State Sample Probe. This upgrade requires a sample probe that is optimized for magic-angle spinning (MAS) of samples. MAS is a common way to improve NMR spectral quality. The probe is technically and structurally very different from existing probes used to record NMR spectra on solution samples. • MAS Controller. Since samples are spinning in the probe at high speeds, an MAS controller is needed to monitor and control the spinning speed of the sample in the MAS probe. • High-Power Amplifier. Solid-state NMR needs higher power pulses than solution NMR, and the amplifier must be upgraded. This amplifier must interface electronically with existing equipment to generate the pulses needed for solid-state NMR. • Automatic Sample Changer. When the solid-state probe is inserted, solution-state samples cannot be run on the same instrument. An automated sample changer is needed to simplify and streamline the insertion and running of samples when the MAS hardware is installed in the NMR. These accessories must interface with the proprietary hardware, software, and control systems provided on MSU’s existing Bruker NMR instrumentation. New, stand-alone NMR systems capable of collecting solid-state NMR data can cost millions of dollars, as evidenced by MSU’s recent purchase of the 800 MHz system installed last year. By purchasing solid-state NMR accessories as an upgrade for the existing NMR, the department hopes to reduce spending by a substantial sum. However, this decision requires us to use proprietary Bruker harder. Other vendors do not make commercial accessories that interface with Bruker’s instruments, so this is the only option available to fulfill the department’s needs. Please note: This is a Sole Source Notification.
