With support from the Chemistry Research Instrumentation and Facilities: Departmental Multiuser Instrument Acquisition (CRIF-MU) Program, the Department of Chemistry at the University of Arkansas in Little Rock will acquire an Electron Paramagnetic Resonance (EPR) Spectrometer. Research projects to benefit from the EPR include the following studies: 1) in vivo monitoring of free radical reactions in plant leaves; 2) investigation of the prooxidant activity of plant polyphenols; 3) biochemical activity of glutathione peroxidase homologs from Staphylococcus aureus; 4) elucidation of the mechanism of electrochemical reduction of nitroaromatic compounds; and 5) the study of the antioxidative capabilities of novel water soluble fullerene derivatives.
An electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectrometer yields information on the molecular and electronic structure of molecules. It may also be used to obtain information about the lifetimes of free radicals, short-lived species that are often essential for the initiation of tumor growth and/or a variety of chemical reactions.
