Characterization of the solid components of biological tissues by cross-polarization, magic angle NMR spectrometry

A biological tissue is composed of cytosol, which can be investigated by high resolution nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy, and membrane and particulate components, which yield NMR spectra similar to those of solids. In this review, the theoretical and technical requirements of recording NMR spectra of solids with cross polarization and magic angle sample spinning techniques are compared with the physical characteristics of the solid components of biological tissues. Current applications of cross-polarization, magic angle NMR spectroscopy to the investigation of membranes, mineral deposits and biosynthetic pathways are presented and discussed in terms of the biomedical questions to which this technique might be applied.