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Updated: Oct 2, 2025

Growing Protein Crystals with Distinct Dimensions Using Automated Crystallization Coupled with In Situ Dynamic Light Scattering
Published on: August 14, 2018
Two-dimensional crystalization on spheres: Crystals grow cracked
Laureano Ortellado1, Daniel A Vega1, Leopoldo R Gómez1
1Department of Physics, Universidad Nacional del Sur-IFISUR-CONICET, Av. Alem 1253, Bahía Blanca, Argentina.
Abstract:
Here we study how curvature affects the structure of two-dimensional crystals growing on spheres. The mechanism of crystal growth is described by means of a Landau model in curved space that accounts for the excess of strain on crystal bonds caused by the substrate's curvature (packing frustration). In curved space elastic energy penalization strongly dictates the geometry of growing crystals. While compact faceted crystals are observed when elastic energy contribution can be neglected, cracked crystals with ribbonlike forms appear as the main mechanisms to reduce elastic frustration for highly curved systems.
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