Practical Physics Behind Growing Crystals of Biological Macromolecules

Abstract

The aim of this review is to provide biocrystallographers who intend to tackle protein-crystallization with theory and practical examples. Crystallization involves two separate processes, nucleation and growth, which are rarely completely unconnected. Here we give theoretical background and concrete examples illustrating protein crystallization. We describe the nucleation of a new phase, solid or liquid, and the growth and transformation of existing crystals obtained by primary or secondary nucleation or by seeding. Above all, we believe that a thorough knowledge of the phase diagram is vital to the selection of starting position and path for any crystallization experiment.

Methods to Grow better Diffractive Protein Crystals Acquired through Space Experiments

“…It is well known that protein can be crystallized by mixing protein samples and crystallization reagents. Generally, protein solubility is decreased by this operation [1,2,4]. A component in the crystallization reagent which dramatically reduces the solubility of the protein is called a precipitant.…”

“…From our experience, we are targeting more rational technology by referring to what has been reported as the mechanism of crystal growth [1][2][3][4].…”

Crystallization of Pharmaceutical Crystals

“…Nevertheless, the crystallization methods are no different from those used on small molecules [112], and these are treated in Chapter 19, "Protein crystal growth." Nevertheless, the crystallization methods are no different from those used on small molecules [112], and these are treated in Chapter 19, "Protein crystal growth."…”

Microfluidic platform for optimization of crystallization conditions

“…the control and manipulation of flows to sub-millimeter scale using miniaturized devices called lab on chip (LOC) [6]. Unlike high -throughput robots, microfluidic chips are applied in both fast screening and optimization stages of protein crystallization studies, via the integration of traditional protocols of protein crystallization [7] such as free interface diffusion (FID) [8], counter-diffusion [9], vapour diffusion [10] and microbatch [11]. Microfluidic technology has been applied to protein crystallization either through flow-based or droplet-based microfluidics.…”