Method of loading a crystallization device

Abstract

The present invention pertains to a method for loading a crystallization device and for manufacturing a crystallization device comprising multiple receptacles with a pre-defined amount of at least one matrix-forming compound capable of forming a crystallization matrix for a membrane protein, said method comprising the following steps: a) modifying the state of aggregation of said at least one matrix-forming compound to a fluidic state which allows dispensing said at least one matrix-forming compound, and b) dispensing a defined amount of said at least one matrix-forming compound into at least one receptacle of the crystallization device, wherein said dispensed matrix-forming compound solidifies within said receptacle. Thereby, prefilled crystallization devices are obtained which can be used as consumables in particular in automated crystallization processes. Also provided are protein crystallization methods using respectively prepared crystallization devices.

Description

field of invention

[0001] The present invention relates to the crystallization of biopolymers, in particular membrane proteins, and to an automatable method for loading a crystallization device with a matrix forming compound. technical background

[0002] Three-dimensional protein structures are of very high commercial value as they enable rational (structure-based) design and engineering of novel drug molecules that bind proteins of interest. Furthermore, the engineering of novel proteins with desired properties can thereby be facilitated. The three-dimensional structure of proteins and other biopolymers is usually determined by X-ray diffraction of corresponding crystals. In order to observe them by X-ray diffraction crystallography, high-quality crystals of biopolymers must be obtained. Unfortunately, the science of protein crystal growth currently cannot predict the conditions under which a particular protein will crystallize. Therefore, in conjunction with many other...

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