biostudies-literatureLee MNIGMS NIH HHS263-77https://www.ebi.ac.uk/biostudies/studies/S-EPMC4160392biostudies-literatureUnknown59(4)Solid-state NMR spectra of membrane proteins often show significant line broadening at cryogenic temperatures. Here we investigate the effects of several cryoprotectants to preserve the spectral resolution of lipid membranes and membrane peptides at temperatures down to ~200 K. Trehalose, glycerol, dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO), dimethylformamide (DMF), and polyethylene glycol (PEG), were chosen. These compounds are commonly used in protein crystallography and cryobiology. 13C and 1H magic-angle-spinning spectra of several types of lipid membranes show that DMSO provides the best resolution enhancement over unprotected membranes and also best retards ice formation at low temperature. DMF and PEG-400 show slightly weaker cryoprotection, while glycerol and trehalose neither prevent membrane line Journal of biomolecular NMRCryoprotection of lipid membranes for high-resolution solid-state NMR studies of membrane peptides and proteins at low temperature.PMC4160392GM066976GM088204R01 GM066976R01 GM088204Hong MLee MfalseCryoprotection of lipid membranes for high-resolution solid-state NMR studies of membrane peptides and proteins at low temperature.Solid-state NMR spectra of membrane proteins often show significant line broadening at cryogenic temperatures. Here we investigate the effects of several cryoprotectants to preserve the spectral resolution of lipid membranes and membrane peptides at temperatures down to ~200 K. Trehalose, glycerol, dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO), dimethylformamide (DMF), and polyethylene glycol (PEG), were chosen. These compounds are commonly used in protein crystallography and cryobiology. 13C and 1H magic-angle-spinning spectra of several types of lipid membranes show that DMSO provides the best resolution enhancement over unprotected membranes and also best retards ice formation at low temperature. DMF and PEG-400 show slightly weaker cryoprotection, while glycerol and trehalose neither prevent membrane line 2014-01-01T00:00:00Z2014 Aug2025-06-26T03:05:11.04Z2025-06-26T03:05:11.04ZS-EPMC41603922501553010.1007/s10858-014-9845-z