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Use of Capillaries for Macromolecular Crystallization in a Cryogenic DewarThe enhanced gaseous nitrogen (EGN) dewar is a cryogenic dry shipper with a sealed cylinder inserted inside along with a temperature monitoring device, and is intended for macromolecular crystallization experiments on the International Space Station. Within the dewar, each crystallization experiment is contained as a solution within a plastic capillary tube. The standard procedure for loading samples in these tubes has involved rapid freezing of the precipitant and biomolecular solution, e.g., protein, directly in liquid nitrogen; this method, however, often resulted in uncontrolled formation of air voids, These air pockets, or bubbles, can lead to irreproducible crystallization results. A novel protocol has been developed to prevent formation of bubbles, and this has been tested in the laboratory as well as aboard the International Space Station during a 42-day long mission of July/August 2001. The gain or loss of mass from solutions within the plastic capillaries revealed that mass transport occurred among separated tubes, and that this mass transport was dependent upon the hygroscopic character of the solution contained in any given tube. The surface area of the plastic capillary tube also related to the observed mass transport. Furthermore, the decreased mass of solutions of-protein correlated to observed formation of protein crystals.
Document ID
20030014040
Acquisition Source
Marshall Space Flight Center
Document Type
Reprint (Version printed in journal)
Authors
Ciszak, Ewa
(NASA Marshall Space Flight Center Huntsville, AL United States)
Hammons, Aaron S.
(Universities Space Research Association Huntsville, AL United States)
Hong, Young Soo
(Universities Space Research Association Huntsville, AL United States)
Date Acquired
August 21, 2013
Publication Date
January 1, 2002
Publication Information
Publication: Crystal Growth and Design
Publisher: American Chemical Society
Volume: 2
Issue: 3
Subject Category
Solid-State Physics
Funding Number(s)
OTHER: NSSTC-004
CONTRACT_GRANT: NAG8-1841
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other

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