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Utilization of Plasmonic and Photonic Crystal Nanostructures for Enhanced Micro- and Nanoparticle Manipulation
Published on: September 27, 2011
12.8K
The detection and subsequent volume optimization of biological nanocrystals
Joseph R Luft, Jennifer R Wolfley1, Eleanor Cook Franks1
1Hauptman-Woodward Medical Research Institute , 700 Ellicott Street, Buffalo, New York 14203, USA.
Structural Dynamics (Melville, N.Y.)
|January 23, 2016
Summary
This study introduces advanced imaging techniques to rapidly detect and optimize nanocrystals for macromolecular crystallography. These methods improve crystal detection and screening for structure determination.
Area of Science:
- Crystallography
- Biophysics
- Materials Science
Background:
- Macromolecular structure determination by crystallography requires identifying and optimizing initial crystallization conditions.
- Advanced imaging technologies allow for the detection of crystals previously undetectable by visible imaging.
Purpose of the Study:
- To apply second-order nonlinear imaging and ultraviolet two-photon excited fluorescence detection for high-throughput nanocrystal verification.
- To develop a crystal volume optimization method linked to a crystallization phase diagram.
Main Methods:
- Utilizing second-order nonlinear imaging of chiral crystals.
- Employing ultraviolet two-photon excited fluorescence detection.
- Developing a crystal volume optimization method and associating it with a phase diagram.
Main Results:
- Demonstrated high-throughput applicability of the imaging techniques for rapid nanocrystal verification in crystallization screening.
- Observed that nanocrystals are often found alongside microcrystals under different chemical conditions.
- Described a method for optimizing crystal volume within crystallization screening.
Conclusions:
- The described imaging techniques are effective for high-throughput detection and verification of nanocrystals in crystallography.
- The crystal volume optimization method provides a framework for improving crystallization outcomes.
- These advancements facilitate macromolecular structure determination by enhancing crystal detection and screening processes.
