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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 27, 2026

Automated Protocols for Macromolecular Crystallization at the MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology
11:20

Automated Protocols for Macromolecular Crystallization at the MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology

Published on: January 24, 2018

The plug-based nanovolume Microcapillary Protein Crystallization System (MPCS).

Cory J Gerdts1, Mark Elliott, Scott Lovell

  • 1Accelerated Technologies Center for Gene to 3D Structure, USA.

Acta Crystallographica. Section D, Biological Crystallography
|November 21, 2008
PubMed
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The Microcapillary Protein Crystallization System (MPCS) offers a novel plasticware method for nanolitre-scale protein crystallization. This technology facilitates easy crystal retrieval for X-ray diffraction and in situ studies.

Area of Science:

  • Biochemistry
  • Structural Biology
  • Crystallography

Background:

  • Protein crystallization is crucial for determining protein structures.
  • Traditional methods can be resource-intensive and time-consuming.
  • Need for efficient, low-volume screening technologies.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To introduce and evaluate the Microcapillary Protein Crystallization System (MPCS).
  • To demonstrate the utility of MPCS for nanolitre-volume protein crystallization screening.
  • To highlight the advantages of MPCS for subsequent X-ray diffraction studies.

Main Methods:

  • Utilized a semi-automated, plug-based crystallization technology.
  • Employed microfluidic Teflon tubing or plastic CrystalCard circuitry.

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Last Updated: Jun 27, 2026

Automated Protocols for Macromolecular Crystallization at the MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology
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Automated Protocols for Macromolecular Crystallization at the MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology

Published on: January 24, 2018

Preparation and Delivery of Protein Microcrystals in Lipidic Cubic Phase for Serial Femtosecond Crystallography
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Preparation and Delivery of Protein Microcrystals in Lipidic Cubic Phase for Serial Femtosecond Crystallography

Published on: September 20, 2016

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Published on: March 3, 2023

  • Generated 10-20 nl droplets for microbatch crystallization experiments.
  • Integrated crystallization cocktail formulation and experiment preparation.
  • Performed sparse-matrix and chemical gradient screening in a hybrid trial.

    • Main Results:

    • MPCS enables efficient nanolitre-volume screening of crystallization conditions.
    • Crystals grown in plastic devices are easily removable for cryoprotection and X-ray diffraction.
    • In situ X-ray diffraction studies of crystals grown in MPCS are feasible.
    • The entire protein sample is consumed, maximizing utility.
    • Facilitates high-granularity gradient screening for optimization.

    Conclusions:

    • MPCS provides a versatile and efficient platform for protein crystallization.
    • The technology streamlines the process from screening to data collection.
    • MPCS is well-suited for optimizing crystallization conditions using various reagents.