Probing macromolecular and supramolecular structure, dynamics, and function by magnetic resonance

Abstract

The use of magnetic resonance spectroscopy, both electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) for elucidating the structure, dynamics, and function of macromolecular and supramolecular systems is described. The role of chain conformation in governing supramolecular organization is emphasized. Examples include polymers with conformational memory, polypeptides, dendronized polymers, as well as functional macromolecular and supramolecular systems for organic-based electronics. Acknowledging Hermann Staudinger's vision similarities between synthetic polymers and biopolymers, e.g., partially disordered proteins, are addressed. Moreover, the need to apply a multitude of techniques in studying the structure and dynamics of such complex systems is emphasized. © Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg 2013.