Ligand-target interaction analysis by photochemically induced dynamic nuclear polarization (photo-cidnp) enhanced nmr spectroscopy

A method for detecting, characterizing, or detecting and characterizing a ligand-target binding based on photochemically induced dynamic nuclear polarization (photo-CIDNP) enhanced NMR spectroscopy, the method comprising the following steps:

• (i) providing a sample (A) comprising a photosensitizer and a ligand, wherein the photosensitizer is suitable for chemically inducing dynamic nuclear polarization of the ligand upon irradiation of the sample;
• (ii) irradiating sample (A) at a wavelength and duration suitable for exciting the photosensitizer and under conditions allowing for chemically induced dynamic nuclear polarization of the ligand by the photosensitizer;
• (iii) recording an NMR spectrum of sample (A);
• (iv) providing a sample (B) comprising sample (A) and further comprising a target of interest;
• (v) irradiating sample (B) under the conditions of step (ii);
• (vi) recording an NMR spectrum of sample (B);
• and
• (vii) comparing the NMR spectra of steps (iii) and (vi) and detecting, characterizing, or detecting and characterizing a ligand-target binding based on at least one difference in the NMR spectra of steps (iii) and (vi).