Sample delivery for serial crystallography at free-electron lasers and synchrotrons

Area of Science:

• Structural biology
• Biophysics
• Crystallography

Background:

• X-ray free-electron lasers (XFELs) offer high peak brilliance and femtosecond pulse durations, opening new avenues in physics, chemistry, and biology.
• Serial femtosecond crystallography (SFX) is a key application in structural biology, leveraging XFELs' capabilities.
• Intense XFEL pulses destroy microcrystals, necessitating serial data collection and high-throughput sample delivery.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review current sample delivery techniques for X-ray free-electron lasers (XFELs) and synchrotron sources.
• To emphasize liquid injection and high-viscosity extrusion methods for serial femtosecond crystallography.
• To discuss the application of these techniques in time-resolved experiments and challenges for megahertz XFELs.

Main Methods:

• Review of existing literature and techniques for sample delivery in serial femtosecond crystallography.
• Focus on liquid injection and high-viscosity extrusion methods.
• Consideration of sample delivery for both XFEL and synchrotron radiation sources.

Main Results:

• Several high-throughput sample delivery techniques have been developed for SFX.
• Techniques like liquid injection and high-viscosity extrusion are effective for XFEL and synchrotron sources.
• These methods facilitate low-dose, room-temperature data collection and are applicable to time-resolved studies.

Conclusions:

• Advanced sample delivery is critical for maximizing the potential of XFELs and synchrotrons in structural biology.
• Liquid injection and high-viscosity extrusion are promising techniques for serial femtosecond crystallography.
• Further development is needed to address challenges, particularly for future megahertz repetition-rate XFEL facilities.