Reducing sample consumption for serial crystallography using acoustic drop ejection.

Area of Science:

• Structural Biology
• Biophysics
• Crystallography

Background:

• Efficient sample delivery is crucial for serial crystallography at synchrotrons and X-ray free-electron lasers.
• Current methods face challenges in sample consumption and beam time utilization.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present an optimized approach for loading fixed targets using acoustic drop ejection.
• To demonstrate the method's effectiveness in enhancing serial crystallography workflows.

Main Methods:

• Utilized acoustic drop ejection for precise loading of samples onto fixed target chips.
• Implemented rastering of fixed target chips through the X-ray beam for serial data collection.
• Analyzed crystal quality and diffraction data post-delivery.

Main Results:

• Acoustic drop ejection loading did not compromise crystal quality.
• Sample consumption was reduced by over an order of magnitude.
• A larger proportion of crystals in the slurry yielded serial diffraction data.

Conclusions:

• Acoustic drop ejection is a highly efficient method for serial crystallography sample delivery.
• This technique conserves precious samples and maximizes data acquisition from X-ray sources.
• The approach facilitates serial diffraction collection from a greater fraction of loaded crystals.