Method for screening crystallization conditions in solution crystal growth
First Claim
1. A method of screening protein crystal growth conditions employing picogram, nanogram or to microgram amounts of protein comprising the steps of:
- providing a microarray with a plurality of wells in said microarray;
accurately dispensing a volume of from about 0.001 nl to about 250 nl of a protein solution into said wells;
controlling the protein crystal growth conditions of each of said wells so that the protein crystal growth conditions in at least two of said micro-chambers differs; and
observing protein crystal growth or protein precipitation in said wells.
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Abstract
A method of screening protein crystal growth conditions with picogram to microgram amounts of protein in picoliter or nanoliter volumes is provided. A preferred method comprises a microarray with a plurality of micro-chambers in the microarray. A protein solution is placed into the micro-chambers by an automated dispensing mechanism. The protein crystal growth conditions of each of the micro-chambers is adjusted so that the protein crystal growth conditions in at least two of the micro-chambers differs. Crystallization of the protein solution in the micro-chambers is effected. Protein crystal growth in the micro-chambers is then observed.
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Citations
38 Claims
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1. A method of screening protein crystal growth conditions employing picogram, nanogram or to microgram amounts of protein comprising the steps of:
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providing a microarray with a plurality of wells in said microarray;
accurately dispensing a volume of from about 0.001 nl to about 250 nl of a protein solution into said wells;
controlling the protein crystal growth conditions of each of said wells so that the protein crystal growth conditions in at least two of said micro-chambers differs; and
observing protein crystal growth or protein precipitation in said wells. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 28, 29, 30, 31)
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18. A method of screening protein crystal growth conditions employing picogram to microgram amounts of protein comprising the steps of:
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accurately dispensing a volume from about 0.001 nl to about 250 nl of a protein solution onto a platform;
controlling the protein crystal growth condition of the sample; and
observing a protein precipitate or protein crystals in the sample.
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27. A microarray for screening protein crystal growth at nanogram or picogram protein amounts comprising:
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a plurality of wells wherein said wells are adapted for holding volumes of protein solution from about 0.001 nl to about 250 nl;
and further wherein said well comprises a material that is minimally water absorbing; and
an optically clear path from said wells.
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- 32. A microarray for screening protein crystal growth at nanogram or picogram protein amounts comprising a plurality of wells wherein said wells are adapted for holding volumes of protein solution from about 0.001 nl to about 250 nl.
Specification