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About Small Streams and Shiny Rocks: Macromolecular Crystal Growth in MicrofluidicsWe are developing a novel technique with which we have grown diffraction quality protein crystals in very small volumes, utilizing chip-based, microfluidic ("LabChip") technology. With this technology volumes smaller than achievable with any laboratory pipette can be dispensed with high accuracy. We have performed a feasibility study in which we crystallized several proteins with the aid of a LabChip device. The protein crystals are of excellent quality as shown by X-ray diffraction. The advantages of this new technology include improved accuracy of dispensing for small volumes, complete mixing of solution constituents without bubble formation, highly repeatable recipe and growth condition replication, and easy automation of the method. We have designed a first LabChip device specifically for protein crystallization in batch mode and can reliably dispense and mix from a range of solution constituents. We are currently testing this design. Upon completion additional crystallization techniques, such as vapor diffusion and liquid-liquid diffusion will be accommodated. Macromolecular crystallization using microfluidic technology is envisioned as a fully automated system, which will use the 'tele-science' concept of remote operation and will be developed into a research facility aboard the International Space Station.
Document ID
20020048581
Acquisition Source
Marshall Space Flight Center
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
vanderWoerd, Mark
(Universities Space Research Association Huntsville, AL United States)
Ferree, Darren
(Universities Space Research Association Huntsville, AL United States)
Spearing, Scott
(Morgan Research Corp. Huntsville, AL United States)
Monaco, Lisa
(Morgan Research Corp. Huntsville, AL United States)
Molho, Josh
(Caliper Technologies Corp. Huntsville, AL United States)
Spaid, Michael
(Caliper Technologies Corp. Huntsville, AL United States)
Brasseur, Mike
(Caliper Technologies Corp. Huntsville, AL United States)
Curreri, Peter A.
Date Acquired
August 20, 2013
Publication Date
January 1, 2002
Subject Category
Solid-State Physics
Meeting Information
Meeting: American Crystallographic Association Conference
Location: San Antonio, TX
Country: United States
Start Date: May 25, 2002
Sponsors: American Crystallographic Association
Funding Number(s)
CONTRACT_GRANT: NCC8-66
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Work of the US Gov. Public Use Permitted.

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