Protein Crystallization in an Actuated Microfluidic Nanowell Device.

ABSTRACT: Protein crystallization is a major bottleneck of structure determination by X-ray crystallography, hampering the process by years in some cases. Numerous matrix screening trials using significant amounts of protein are often applied, while a systematic approach with phase diagram determination is prohibited for many proteins that can only be expressed in small amounts. Here, we demonstrate a microfluidic nanowell device implementing protein crystallization and phase diagram screening using nanoscale volumes of protein solution per trial. The device is made with cost-effective materials and is completely automated for efficient and economical experimentation. In the developed device, 170 trials can be realized with unique concentrations of protein and precipitant established by gradient gen

SUBMITTER: Abdallah BG 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5036579 | biostudies-literature | 2016

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature