Related Experiment Video
Updated: Dec 24, 2025

Growing Protein Crystals with Distinct Dimensions Using Automated Crystallization Coupled with In Situ Dynamic Light Scattering
Published on: August 14, 2018
The effect of density changes on crystallization with a mushy layer.
Irina G Nizovtseva1, Dmitri V Alexandrov2
1Physikalisch-Astronomische Fakultät, Friedrich-Schiller-Universität Jena, Jena 07743, Germany.
This study analytically solves directional crystallization with a two-phase layer, finding exact solutions for solute concentration, temperature, and phase fractions. These findings aid analysis in materials science and biophysics.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Physics
- Biophysics
Background:
- Directional crystallization involves a quasi-equilibrium two-phase layer.
- Understanding this layer is crucial for various scientific fields.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analytically solve a nonlinear problem of directional crystallization with a two-phase layer.
- To derive exact solutions for key parameters within the two-phase layer.
Main Methods:
- Analytical solution for a steady-state nonlinear problem.
- Parametric form solution using solid phase fraction.
- Inclusion of density changes in the liquid phase and arbitrary solid fraction at boundaries.
Main Results:
- Exact analytical solutions derived for solute concentration, temperature, and solid fraction within the mushy layer.
- Analytical expressions for liquid and solid phase properties, mushy layer thickness, and velocity.
- Demonstrated good agreement between theoretical predictions and experimental data.
Conclusions:
- The study provides a robust analytical framework for directional crystallization with a two-phase layer.
- The solutions are applicable to diverse fields including materials science, geophysics, biophysics, and medical physics.
- This work offers valuable tools for analyzing phase transitions in soft and biological matter.
Related Concept Videos
Recrystallization: Solid–Solution Equilibria
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...
Theories of Dissolution: Diffusion Layer Model
This process starts with a thin layer, saturated with the drug, forming at the interface between the solid and liquid. The solute then diffuses from this layer into the main solution. The Noyes-Whitney equation suggests that the rate of dissolution relies on the diffusion...
Precipitation Processes
Phase Transitions: Melting and Freezing

