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Updated: Aug 10, 2026
22:00
Crystallizing Membrane Proteins for Structure Determination using Lipidic Mesophases
Published on: November 21, 2010
Solution crystallisation via a submerged liquid-liquid phase boundary: oiling out
P E Bonnett1, K J Carpenter, S Dawson
1Process Studies Group, Syngenta, Huddersfield, West Yorkshire, UK HD2 1FF.
Chemical Communications (Cambridge, England)
|April 22, 2003
Summary
This study reveals a new crystallization pathway where a liquid-liquid phase separation occurs before crystal formation. This phenomenon is linked to the metastable zone during nucleation, offering insights into crystallization processes.
Area of Science:
- Chemical Engineering
- Materials Science
- Physical Chemistry
Background:
- Crystallization from solution often involves metastable intermediate states like polymorphs or solvates.
- Understanding these intermediate states is crucial for controlling crystallization processes in various industries.
Purpose of the Study:
- To present a novel observation of liquid-liquid phase separation preceding crystallization in small molecule systems.
- To investigate the underlying mechanism involving the metastable zone of crystal nucleation.
Main Methods:
- Experimental observation of crystallization processes.
- Analysis of phase behavior in solution under specific conditions.
- Characterization of metastable zones and nucleation events.
Main Results:
- A novel crystallization pathway was identified, initiated by liquid-liquid phase separation.
- This phase separation was found to occur within the metastable zone of crystal nucleation.
- The findings suggest a new mechanism for small molecule crystallization.
Conclusions:
- The study demonstrates a previously unreported crystallization mechanism involving initial liquid-liquid phase separation.
- This pathway is facilitated by the accessibility of a submerged liquid-liquid phase boundary within the metastable zone.
- This discovery has implications for controlling crystallization and polymorphism in chemical and pharmaceutical manufacturing.
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