EPR Platform – BIP-IMM

Electron Paramagnetic Resonance (EPR), or Electron Spin Resonance (ESR), is a central technique for characterizing paramagnetic species. In the field of Life Sciences, it is particularly well suited for molecular analysis of biological systems, their functions and interactions. It allows on the one hand to analyse at the atomic and molecular level the metallic co-factors and free radicals in enzymatic catalytic processes, to understand the structural bases of their reactivity, and to optimise enzymatic engineering strategies. Combined with the grafting of magnetic probes on the other hand, it provides crucial information on the organisation of large biological assemblies, their dynamics and the key structural transitions linked to their activity.

Our EPR facility is

labelled Plateforme Technologique d’Aix-Marseille,
one of the four french centres that make the French national EPR network RENARD (IR CNRS 3443). It is the most important centre in terms of EPR equipments and human resources,
the unique EPR centre in the european MOSBRI consortium.

Facilities

Bruker ELEXSYS E580 (pulse mode: 9, 35, 95GHz / continuous mode: 95GHz), Bruker ELEXSYS E500 (continuous mode: 4, 9, 35GHz), Bruker ELEXSYS E500 II (continuous mode: 9GHz), Glove boxes for sample preparation under anaerobic conditions.

Opening

Our EPR facility is mostly dedicated to applications and developments in Life Sciences at the Chemistry-Biology interface. It benefits from the scientific support of 9 researchers and 2 engineers. The platform is also open to academic users from other disciplines (physics, materials, chemistry, etc.) and biotechs. To apply for access, please contact the platform manager.