Alderley Park launches open-access NMR service
Manchester Science Partnership’s (MSP) Alderley Park campus has launched an open-access, nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) facility, specifically tailored to the requirements of industry.
Typically, the only way for companies to access NMR spectroscopy equipment has been through academia, however the Cheshire bioscience campus has now opened up access to its two spectrometers – 500 MHz and 700 MHz for commercial use as well as offering specialist advice and expertise on how they can be best used by companies performing chemistry synthesis, creating proteins, conducting biophysical studies or involved in the drug discovery process.
Dr Chris Doherty, managing director at Alderley Park, explains: “We know that businesses have particular requirements when using NMR spectrometry and we’ve been able to tailor our service to offer the kind of unfettered access that companies need for their research.
“In addition to providing open and timely access to the equipment, we can offer advice and guidance as how best to use the technology, helping early-stage companies to obtain useful data quickly and efficiently, while avoiding pitfalls associated with the technique.
“We’re building a successful multi-occupancy model here and underpinning that is a genuine sense of collaboration. Many of the companies at the park will benefit greatly from use of the equipment.
“But it also strengthens Alderley Park’s credentials nationally. The combination of readily available NMR equipment and expert guidance on how to use it is a truly unique proposition in the UK and we’re already taking enquiries from external companies interested in using the equipment.”
Innovative drug discovery company C4X Discovery Ltd, which has one the largest rosters of NMR spectroscopists qualified to operate the specialist equipment in Europe, is one such company that will benefit from access to the Park’s NMR facility.
The listed biotech company is currently based at Bruntwood’s Manchester One building and will be retaining its operation there, while taking additional laboratory and office space at Alderley Park to realise its growth strategy and make use of the specialist equipment on offer.