Instrumentation

Research Infrastructure and Facilities of the Group

Our unique spectroscopy-based molecular biophysics suite of methods are the core parts of the new Outstanding Research Infrastructure (ORI, KKI in Hungarian) titled "Integrated Paramagnetic Resonance and Optical Multi-Dimensional Bio-Spectroscopy" (iPRO-MD-BioSpec). Our working strategy is that structural, dynamic, kinetic and thermodynamic data on biomolecular systems are measured during while monitoring the biological function using a range of biophysical techniques. The experimental data are then consistently interpreted in detailed molecular models and related to the biological function. This non-conventional approach can be considered as function-controlled spectroscopy-based structural biology. Data are obtained and analysed with a variety of techniques and their combination:

BSA

Bruker ELEXSYS E580 X-band CW and pulsed-, FT- electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectrometer. As far as we know, our instrument is the best equipped EPR spectrometer in Central- and East Europe: it has four different resonators, arbitrary waveform generator, electron-nuclear double resonance unit, and helium and nitrogen temperature controllers (covering 5-500K). The instrument has all the state-of-the-art measurements modes, including Electron Spin Echo spectroscopy, ESEEM, 2D spectroscopy, Pulse-ENDOR, Pulse-ELDOR (DEER), Saturation Recovery and Transient EPR. This instrument is mainly used for site-specific spin labelling and spin-trapping (free radical detection) but we also open to do EPR experiments on metal complex and metal proteins.

Horiba (Jobin-Ivon) Fluorolog 3 (FL3-222) modular spectrofluorimeter, equipped with time-correlated single photon counting (TCSPC), 96-plate reader, frontface fluorescence detection (for solid samples) and a thermostat. The instrument is being currently upgraded to the "T-arm" configuration that means two emmission units (with independent momochromators, polarisers and detectors).

3D spectrum — 3D fluorescence spectra of the main constituent
(Ca-BTC) of a wastewater filter membrane material

Microcal VP-DSC high-sensitivity difference scanning calorimeter.
Temperature-controlled UV-VIS spectrometers.
Bruker Vertex 70 Fourier-transform infrared spectrometer equipped with polarised attenuated total internal reflection (PATIR) option and a thermostate.
Multi-channel signal amplifiers, AD/DA converters, recorders, controllers and computer interfaces.
Wet lab and devices for culturing yeast cells and purification of vacuolar vesicles (incubators, pumps, homogeniser, gel electrophoresis, column chromatography, thermostats, temperature recorder, etc.).
10-nodes dual processor HP-Proliant computer cluster.
Commercial and free software for artificial intelligence (neuronal network), spectrum and data analysis, bioinformatics, and molecular mechanics and dynamics.

We are keen on developing new detection modes and novel spectrum analysis/simulation techniques. Most notably, in the past we combined non-linear EPR techniques with paramagnetic quenching and spin-spin interactions to gain structural data on membrane proteins [Pali and Marsh, 2002]. Among other directions, we are currently focusing on developing pulsed EPR methods, combined EPR-fluorescence spectroscopy and kinetics.

Access to our research infrastructure is possible, collaborative projects are preferred. Independent access in the remaining time is subject to an agreement and meeting certain conditions (contact us for details).