Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 28, 2026

Growing Protein Crystals with Distinct Dimensions Using Automated Crystallization Coupled with In Situ Dynamic Light Scattering
Published on: August 14, 2018
Crystallization from the amorphous state: nucleation-growth decoupling, polymorphism interplay, and the role of
Marc Descamps1, Emeline Dudognon1
1University Lille 1UMET (Unité Matériaux et Transformations) UMR CNRS 8207, Bat P5 F-59655, Villeneuve d'Ascq, France.
Abstract:
The physical stability of the amorphous state is governed by crystallization, which results from the complex interplay of nucleation and growth processes. These processes can be further complicated by the preferred initial nucleation of less-stable phases, and interpretation requires the evaluation of the relative roles of structure, dynamics, and thermodynamics on the kinetics of the recrystallization. As a contribution to this issue, we reanalyze data sets concerning recrystallization of two pharmaceutical compounds: L-arabitol and RS ibuprofen. These compounds share the property of being good glass formers and present monotropic polymorphism. In the present analysis, we are mainly focusing on the localization of nucleation and growth zones and the role of a transient crystallization of the metastable phase. On the basis of the elementary theories, the results offer the opportunity to discuss the impact of interfacial energies, molecular mobility, crystal disorder, liquid short-range order, and crack formation in the glass.
Related Concept Videos
Crystal Growth: Principles of Crystallization
Initiating crystallization involves manipulating the concentration of the solute and the temperature of the solution. Since crystal growth occurs when the ratio of concentration and solubility of the solute in the solvent...
Polymer Classification: Crystallinity
Crystalline domains are the regions where polymer chains are aligned in an orderly manner and held together in proximity by intermolecular forces. For example, chains in the crystalline domains of polyethylene and nylon are bound together by van der Waals...
Recrystallization: Solid–Solution Equilibria
Factors Affecting Dissolution: Polymorphism, Amorphism and Pseudopolymorphism
Some polymorphic crystals possess lower aqueous solubility than their amorphous counterparts, leading to incomplete absorption. For instance, the oral suspension of Chloramphenicol, which...
Imperfections in Crystal Structure: Point, Line and Plane Defects
Ziegler–Natta Chain-Growth Polymerization: Overview

