High-throughput micro-crystallization system.

The greatest obstacle in determining protein structures by x-ray crystallography is obtaining crystals of sufficient size and quality. Growing large high-quality crystals is dependent upon determining the optimal growth conditions, a difficult process with current technology due to the large amount of purified protein required. Many proteins can not be crystallized because of this requirement. The proposed project will give researchers the ability to screen conditions using much less protein, thus opening the technology of x-ray crystallography to thousands of new proteins and making it easier and more cost effective for thousands of other proteins. This innovative system will immediately benefit scientists pursuing drug development, and ultimately the general public who will experience the benefits of new drugs to treat currently untreatable diseases or improved treatment over current therapies. As additional proteins are crystallized, the need for microgravity research will also increase with the need to optimize crystal growth.