First nuclear magnetic resonance lab to rise in WV

Western Visayas will soon have its first Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) laboratory as the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) 6 inked a partnership with the University of San Agustin (USA) for the project.

Under the Grants-in-Aid program, DOST-6 earmarked P1.2 million for the project dubbed “Establishment of the Visayas NMR Laboratory: Enabling the Countryside with the Power of Magnetic Resonance for Drug Discovery and a Forward-Looking Pandemic Response.”

This endeavor will be led by DOST Balik Scientists and university faculty researchers Dr. Jonel Saludes and Dr. Doralyn Dalisay.

“Plans for the project include acquiring a high field NMR spectrometer for solution phase experiments that can serve as the first walkup and remotely operable NMR spectrometer in the Philippines,” according to the agency’s press release.

Further, the NMR spectroscopy is vital in advancing the capabilities of laboratories in the countryside in terms of quantitative and qualitative analyses.

The science department also emphasized how this process is essential in the confirmation of compound structures possessing therapeutic activity, leading to the development of antiviral drug and vaccine discovery research.

In addition, this research is highly prioritized in light with the COVID-19 health crisis and ensure preparation for the future pandemics.

DOST noted that the availability of an NMR facility across the regions can also pave the way for the growth of competent Filipino NMR spectroscopists and enable them to become proficient natural products scientists. (PIA/DOST-6)