Small volume flow probe for automated direct-injection NMR analysis: design and performance

A detailed characterization of an NMR flow probe for use in direct-injection sample analysis is presented. A 600-MHz, indirect detection NMR flow probe with a 120-microl active volume is evaluated in two configurations: first as a stand-alone small volume probe for the analysis of static, nonflowing solutions, and second as a component in an integrated liquids-handling system used for high-throughput NMR analysis. In the stand-alone mode, (1)H lineshape, sensitivity, radiofrequency (RF) homogeneity, and heat transfer characteristics are measured and compared to conventional-format NMR probes of related design. Commonly used descriptive terminology for the hardware, sample regions, and RF coils are reviewed or defined, and test procedures developed for flow probes are described. The flow probe displayed general performance that is competitive with standard probes. Key advantages of the flow probe include high molar sensitivity, ease of use in an automation setup, and superior reproducibility of magnetic field homogeneity which enables the practical implementation of 1D T2-edited analysis of protein-ligand interactions.