title: The plug-based nanovolume Microcapillary Protein Crystallization System (MPCS).
abstract: The Microcapillary Protein Crystallization System (MPCS) embodies a new semi-automated plug-based crystallization technology which enables nanolitre-volume screening of crystallization conditions in a plasticware format that allows crystals to be easily removed for traditional cryoprotection and X-ray diffraction data collection. Protein crystals grown in these plastic devices can be directly subjected to in situ X-ray diffraction studies. The MPCS integrates the formulation of crystallization cocktails with the preparation of the crystallization experiments. Within microfluidic Teflon tubing or the microfluidic circuitry of a plastic CrystalCard, approximately 10-20 nl volume droplets are generated, each representing a microbatch-style crystallization experiment with a different chemical composition. The entire protein sample is utilized in crystallization experiments. Sparse-matrix screening and chemical gradient screening can be combined in one comprehensive ;hybrid' crystallization trial. The technology lends itself well to optimization by high-granularity gradient screening using optimization reagents such as precipitation agents, ligands or cryoprotectants.
authors.affiliation: Accelerated Technologies Center for Gene to 3D Structure, USA.
authors.forename: Cory J
authors.initials: CJ
authors.lastname: Gerdts
authors.forename: Mark
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Elliott
authors.forename: Scott
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Lovell
authors.forename: Mark B
authors.initials: MB
authors.lastname: Mixon
authors.forename: Alberto J
authors.initials: AJ
authors.lastname: Napuli
authors.forename: Bart L
authors.initials: BL
authors.lastname: Staker
authors.forename: Peter
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Nollert
authors.forename: Lance
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Stewart
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D016957:Burkholderia pseudomallei; D002645:Chickens; D003460:Crystallization; D018360:Crystallography, X-Ray / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods; D055617:Micro-Electrical-Mechanical Systems; D046210:Microfluidic Analytical Techniques; D044085:Microfluidics / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods; D015394:Molecular Structure; D009113:Muramidase / Q000737:chemistry / Q000378:metabolism; D050862:Oxidoreductases Acting on Sulfur Group Donors / Q000737:chemistry / Q000378:metabolism
chemical_list: D050862:Oxidoreductases Acting on Sulfur Group Donors; C030542:sulfoxide reductase; D009113:Muramidase