Novel polymer fixed-target microfluidic platforms with an ultra-thin moisture barrier for serial macromolecular crystallography.

ABSTRACT: The advent of ultrabright fourth generation X-ray light sources, including X-ray free-electron lasers (XFELs) and diffraction limited synchrotrons, has significantly advanced the field of serial macromolecular protein crystallography (SX). SX experiments demand a continuous supply of fresh microcrystalline sample, ideally while minimizing overall sample consumption. Here, we introduce a novel, robust, and user-friendly polymer film technology that can be assembled in various configurations to encapsulate protein microcrystals and provide sample support for SX. This system provides an efficient hydration barrier over extended durations while maintaining an exceptionally low X-ray background. We have validated this technology by assessing hydration retention under both ambient and ultra-high

SUBMITTER: Narayanasamy SR 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12338584 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature