The low-cost Shifter microscope stage transforms the speed and robustness of protein crystal harvesting.

ABSTRACT: Despite the tremendous success of X-ray cryo-crystallography in recent decades, the transfer of crystals from the drops in which they are grown to diffractometer sample mounts remains a manual process in almost all laboratories. Here, the Shifter, a motorized, interactive microscope stage that transforms the entire crystal-mounting workflow from a rate-limiting manual activity to a controllable, high-throughput semi-automated process, is described. By combining the visual acuity and fine motor skills of humans with targeted hardware and software automation, it was possible to transform the speed and robustness of crystal mounting. Control software, triggered by the operator, manoeuvres crystallization plates beneath a clear protective cover, allowing the complete removal of film seals and

SUBMITTER: Wright ND 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7787106 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature