We are engaged in the development and optimisation of NMR spectroscopic methods, in particular for the quantitative investigation of dynamic phenomena. We are particularly interested in the binding of low molecular weight compounds (ligands) to biological targets. The dynamic process of association and dissociation can be analysed by nuclear spin relaxation measurements on the ligand molecule using a method developed by us. The quantification of the association and dissociation process makes it possible to determine the residence time of the ligand in the complex, a key parameter for optimising the efficiency of bioactive compounds. In addition, thermodynamic data on complex formation can be determined.
