Protein crystal growth with a two-liquid system and stirring solution

J Synchrotron Radiat. 2004 Jan 1;11(Pt 1):121-4. doi: 10.1107/s0909049503026980. Epub 2003 Nov 28.

Abstract

We developed two novel methods for growing large, high-quality protein crystals. A two-liquid system enables the convenient extraction of protein crystals without causing mechanical damage due to growth at the interface between two liquids. Since this system does not require limitations on solution volume, it is also suitable for the seed technique, and for growing large crystals. Another new concept is the mild stirring of the solution using the Floating And Stirring Technique (FAST) and the Micro-stirring technique. When compared to conventional techniques, both techniques result in a reduced number of crystals, as well as the growth of large crystals.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Evaluation Study
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Validation Study

MeSH terms

  • Centrifugation / instrumentation*
  • Centrifugation / methods*
  • Crystallization / instrumentation*
  • Crystallization / methods*
  • Diffusion
  • Equipment Design
  • Equipment Failure Analysis
  • Microfluidics / instrumentation*
  • Microfluidics / methods*
  • Muramidase / chemical synthesis
  • Muramidase / chemistry
  • Muramidase / ultrastructure
  • Proteins / chemical synthesis
  • Proteins / chemistry*
  • Proteins / ultrastructure
  • Solutions

Substances

  • Proteins
  • Solutions
  • hen egg lysozyme
  • Muramidase