Automating the application of smart materials for protein crystallization. (1st March 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Khurshid, Sahir; Govada, Lata; EL‐Sharif, Hazim F.; Reddy, Subrayal M.; Chayen, Naomi E.
• Is Part Of: Acta crystallographica. Volume 71:Part 3(2015:Mar.)
• Page Start: 534
• Page End: 540
• Publication Date: 2015-03-01
• Subjects: Biomolecules -- Structure -- Periodicals; Physical biochemistry -- Periodicals; X-ray crystallography -- Periodicals; Crystallography -- Periodicals; 572
• DOI: 10.1107/S1399004714027643
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0907-4449

Abstract

<abstract abstract-type="main" xml:lang="en"> <title> <x xml:space="preserve">Abstract</x> </title> <p>The fabrication and validation of the first semi‐liquid nonprotein nucleating agent to be administered automatically to crystallization trials is reported. This research builds upon prior demonstration of the suitability of molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs; known as `smart materials') for inducing protein crystal growth. Modified MIPs of altered texture suitable for high‐throughput trials are demonstrated to improve crystal quality and to increase the probability of success when screening for suitable crystallization conditions. The application of these materials is simple, time‐efficient and will provide a potent tool for structural biologists embarking on crystallization trials.</p> </abstract>