Crystallisation Facility
The objective of the MPI Crystallization Facility is to provide a state-of-the-art platform for structural biologists at the Max Planck Institute of Biochemistry as well as external co-operation partners.
The Facility provides a comprehensive crystallization service, automating every step of the crystallization process:
1) Sample quality control
- Assessment of purity by SDS-PAGE gel
- Assessment of concentration by spectrophotometry (Nanodrop)
- Optionally, assessment of monodispersity/aggregation by static light scattering (Viscotek)
2) Initial screenings
- Crystallization screens are set up as sitting-drop vapour diffusion experiments in a 96-well plate format. The protein samples are dispensed in 0.1 μl drops with a nanoliter crystalization robot (Phoenix).
- 25 commercial and in-house crystallization screens are available, providing more than 2000 different mixtures of buffers, precipitating agents and additives.
3) Automated visualization
- Crystallization drops are imaged over 5 weeks at regular time intervals. Three Xtal-Focus visualization systems are operated in temperature-controlled rooms (at 4°C and 19°C) and are based on the combination of a Leica/ Zeiss microscopes with a automated storage cabinet.
4) In-situ diffraction test
- Upon request, crystal hits are tested in the original 96-well crystallization plate using a PX Scanner to assess diffraction quality or to distinguish between protein and salt.
5) Optimization
- Refinement of the initial crystallization conditions using fine grid screens is carried out using a Tecan Evo 200/8 needles liquid handling station.
- A wide range of stock solutions is available. A database is used to manage and keep track of more than three hundred chemicals. These solutions are the same used for preparing the in-house made screens and ideal for optimizing crystals around the original condition.
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