Design of a multipurpose sample cell holder for the Diamond Light Source high-throughput SAXS beamline B21

Area of Science:

• Structural Biology
• Biophysics
• Materials Science

Background:

• High-throughput (HT) beamlines are crucial for advancing structural biology and biophysics research.
• Existing sample handling systems can limit the versatility and cost-effectiveness of HT beamlines.
• The need for adaptable and affordable hardware solutions for synchrotron facilities.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present the design of a multipurpose sample cell holder for the HT beamline B21.
• To demonstrate the compatibility of the new holder with existing robotic sample changers.
• To showcase the utility of 3D-printing for low-cost hardware modifications in synchrotron science.

Main Methods:

• Design and fabrication of a novel multipurpose sample cell holder.
• Integration and testing of the holder with the robot bioSAXS sample changer.
• Utilizing 3D-printing technology for rapid prototyping and cost-effective production.

Main Results:

• Successful design and implementation of a versatile sample cell holder.
• Demonstrated compatibility with robotic sample changers at multiple synchrotron facilities (ESRF, Petra IV).
• Validation of 3D-printing as a viable method for enhancing beamline capabilities affordably.

Conclusions:

• The multipurpose sample cell holder significantly expands the versatility of HT beamlines.
• The low-cost, 3D-printed design offers a scalable solution for synchrotron infrastructure.
• This approach facilitates broader access to advanced structural biology techniques.