NMR (Nuclear Magnetic Resonance)
Nuclear Magnetic Resonance
Japanese: NMR（核磁気共鳴法）
A technique that uses nuclear magnetic properties to analyze molecular structures. Used to identify unknown metabolites in fermented foods.
NMR uses the resonance phenomena of atomic nuclei in strong magnetic fields to analyze molecular structures. Widely used in organic chemistry and medicine (the principle behind MRI).
In fermented food research, NMR excels at identifying unknown metabolites that GC-MS or HPLC cannot structurally determine. Its ability to resolve detailed three-dimensional molecular structures makes it the definitive tool for confirming 'what this compound is.'
¹H-NMR-based 'metabolomics profiling' can capture a comprehensive metabolite overview with minimal sample preparation. Portraying miso's aging process as a 'molecular portrait'—NMR is the most precise brush for that painting. Expert understanding becomes the key to expanding fermentation's possibilities.