title: Automation of sample mounting for macromolecular crystallography.
abstract: A standard sample holder and vial for cryocooled macromolecular crystals has been defined for use with robotic sample changers. This SPINE standard sample holder is a modified version, with added features and specifications, of sample holders in common use. In particular, the SPINE standard meets the precision required for automatic sample exchange and includes a cap that is identified by a two-dimensional datamatrix code as well as an optional vial. At the ESRF, the sample holder standard is in use with the EMBL/ESRF/BM14 robotic sample changer (SC3) which is installed on eight beamlines. The SC3 can hold up to 50 crystals stored in five baskets. A datamatrix reader in the SC3 ensures safe management of the sample flow and facilitates fully automatic screening and characterization of samples. Tools for handling and transporting 50 samples in a dry shipping dewar have been developed. In addition to the SC3, the SPINE sample holder is currently compatible with a number of other robotic sample changers.
authors.affiliation: EMBL-Grenoble, 6 Rue Jules Horowitz, BP 181, Grenoble CEDEX 9, France. cipriani@embl.fr
authors.forename: F
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Cipriani
authors.forename: F
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Felisaz
authors.forename: L
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Launer
authors.forename: J S
authors.initials: JS
authors.lastname: Aksoy
authors.forename: H
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Caserotto
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Cusack
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Dallery
authors.forename: F
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: di-Chiaro
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Guijarro
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Huet
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Larsen
authors.forename: Mario
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Lentini
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: McCarthy
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: McSweeney
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Ravelli
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Renier
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Taffut
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Thompson
authors.forename: G A
authors.initials: GA
authors.lastname: Leonard
authors.forename: M A
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: Walsh
mesh_terms: D001331:Automation; D003461:Crystallography / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000592:standards; D004581:Electronics; D008280:Magnetics; D012015:Reference Standards; D012371:Robotics; D012984:Software; D017356:Synchrotrons