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Polymeric precipitants for the crystallization of macromolecules
S Patel1, B Cudney, A McPherson
1University of California, Department of Biochemistry, Riverside 92521.
Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications
|February 15, 1995
Summary
Water-soluble polymers can aid in crystallizing proteins, viruses, and small molecules. This study shows 14 of 24 tested molecules were successfully crystallized using these polymers.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Crystallography
- Materials Science
Background:
- Water-soluble polymers are known to influence water properties and structure.
- Crystallization is crucial for determining the structure of biological and chemical compounds.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of nine water-soluble polymers in crystallizing diverse molecules.
- To explore novel crystallization conditions using these polymers.
Main Methods:
- Tested nine different water-soluble polymers.
- Applied polymers to crystallize 24 distinct proteins, viruses, and small molecules.
Main Results:
- All tested polymers facilitated crystallization for at least some molecules.
- Successfully crystallized 14 out of the 24 tested molecules.
- Achieved crystallization under novel conditions for several compounds.
Conclusions:
- Water-soluble polymers are effective tools for macromolecular and small molecule crystallization.
- The range of polymers suitable for crystallization is potentially vast.
- This approach offers new avenues for obtaining high-quality crystals.