The Weizmann Institute of Science in Rehovot, Israel today announced major scientific instrument purchases from Bruker (NASDAQ: BRKR), including a novel Aeon™ 1GHz nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) system for expanding frontiers in structural biology and intrinsically disordered protein (IDPs) research. Furthermore, the Weizmann Institute is adding an Aeon 600 MHz NMR, a 263 GHz dynamic nuclear polarization (DNP)-NMR system, and a Biospec® 15 Tesla system for preclinical ultra-high field magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Various NMR and electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) instrument upgrades round out this major acquisition, instantly propelling the Weizmann Institute to the frontiers of modern magnetic resonance research infrastructure.
In the 1950s, one of the world’s first high resolution NMR systems was conceived at Weizmann Institute researchers Alexander and Meiboom, and since then three generations of renowned Weizmann magnetic resonance researchers have played key roles in the development of NMR, EPR and MRI. Going forward, the focus of the Weizmann Institute in magnetic resonance research will be on biomolecular NMR and EPR research for future healthcare applications, metabolomics and preclinical research for cancer diagnostics and neurodegenerative diseases, as well as on advanced research on batteries and advanced materials.
Professor Gilad Haran, Dean of the Faculty of Chemistry at the Weizmann Institute of Science, commented: “In the last 2 years we hired 4 new faculty members specializing in the various branches of MR research. The new instruments will facilitate the research of this world-class group and of their more veteran peers, and will reinforce Weizmann’s position as one of the premier centers in the world for MR research.”
Werner Maas, Ph.D., the President of the Bruker BioSpin Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy division, added: “The adoption of the Aeon 1 GHz NMR platform by the Weizmann Institute further validates this revolutionary technology and its impact on the research of structural biology and intrinsically disordered proteins. We are extremely pleased to partner with the Weizmann Institute and provide the research tools they need to advance scientific understanding of the bio-molecular processes of many diseases affecting people across the globe, as well as the understanding of advanced materials that will impact many emerging technologies.”
The Aeon 1 GHz system incorporates the world's first shielded 1 GHz NMR magnet, as well as active refrigeration. Active shielding reduces the space volume occupied by the 5 Gauss stray field of this two-story magnet by more than one order of magnitude, and makes siting of next-generation Aeon 1 GHz magnets straight-forward. The Aeon magnet series features integrated active refrigeration technology, which eliminates the need for liquid nitrogen, and brings liquid helium boil-off essentially to zero in normal operation. Bi-annual pulse-tube cooler maintenance can be done at field with minimal disruption and down-time.
The 263 GHz DNP-NMR spectrometer takes advantage of the dramatic sensitivity enhancements enabled by Dynamic Nuclear Polarization (DNP). The system consists of an Avance™ III HD spectrometer, configured for solid-state NMR, combined with a high-power gyrotron microwave source and a specialized low-temperature DNP/NMR probe in an easy to use, integrated package.
The BioSpec® 150/11 is an ultra-high field MRI scanner for preclinical research on mice that will open new frontiers in molecular and microscopic imaging. Based on Bruker’s proven 15 Tesla horizontal USR™ magnet technology, the system takes advantage of the high signal-to-noise ratio and enhanced contrast mechanisms at high field strength. Exploiting the novel 15 Tesla MRI CryoProbe™, the system enables new research on in vivo molecular events in cells.
About The Weizmann Institute of Science
The Weizmann Institute of Science is one of the world’s leading multidisciplinary research institutions. The driving force and spirit that inspired its scientific activities was Dr. Chaim Weizmann, a world-renowned chemist who headed the World Zionist Movement for many years and served as the first president of the State of Israel.
Over the years, the Weizmann Institute has grown with the country and been the source of a number of Israeli milestones. These range from pioneering work in cancer research to building the county’s first electronic computer and the first particle accelerator.
Other Institute firsts include the development and production of Israel’s first ethical (original) drug, new computer languages, the solving of the three-dimensional structures of biological molecules involved in health and disease, and many more. The fields range from optics to genetics, from organ transplants from embryonic tissue to the creation of a nano-biological computer.
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