Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 21, 2026

An All-in-one Sample Holder for Macromolecular X-ray Crystallography with Minimal Background Scattering
Published on: July 6, 2019
The role of macromolecular crystallography and structure for drug discovery: advances and caveats
1Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Biological Chemistry, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA. b-shoichet@northwestern.edu
Abstract:
In the last decade, macromolecular crystallography has become a standard technique used by the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries in their drug discovery projects. This technique offers atomic level detail of drug-target:ligand interactions, the resolution of which is currently unmatched by other methodologies. However, this high level of detail also presents special pitfalls, and requires critical evaluation of the structures. This review will highlight recent advances in crystallography and the use of macromolecular structures in pharmaceutical and biotechnology research. It will also outline the current limitations of the method both generally and as it pertains to drug discovery.
Related Concept Videos
Determination of Crystal Structures
X-ray Diffraction of Biological Samples
According to Bragg's law, when X-rays strike the sample positioned on a stage, the rays are scattered by the electron clouds around the sample atoms. The X-ray diffraction or scattering is caused by constructive interference of the X-ray waves that reflect off the internal crystal...
Drug Discovery: Overview

