Inexpensive robotic system for standard and fluorescent imaging of protein crystals. Issue 11 (8th November 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Handzlik, Dakota; Larson, Eric T.; Munschy, Erika; Obmolova, Galina; Collin, Delphine; Craig, Timothy K.
• Is Part Of: Acta crystallographica. Volume 75:Issue 11(2019:Nov.)
• Page Start: 673
• Page End: 686
• Publication Date: 2019-11-08
• Subjects: fluorescent imaging -- automated microscope -- imaging system -- open source -- robotics; Crystallography -- Periodicals; Crystals -- Periodicals; 548
• DOI: 10.1107/S2053230X19014730
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2053-230X

Abstract

Abstract : An open‐source automated microscope capable of capturing both fluorescent and standard images from multi‐well protein crystallization plates is described. Abstract : Protein‐crystallization imaging and classification is a labor‐intensive process typically performed either by humans or by instruments that currently cost well over $100 000. This cost puts the use of crystallization‐trial imaging outside the reach of most academic laboratories, and also start‐up biotechnology firms, where resources are scarce. An imaging system has been designed and prototyped which automatically captures images from multi‐well protein‐crystallization experiments using both standard and fluorescent imaging techniques at a cost 28 times lower than current market rates. The machine uses a Panowin F1 3D printer as a base and controls it using G‐code commands sent from a Python script running on a desktop computer. A graphical user interface (GUI) was developed to enable users to control the machine and facilitate image capture, classification and editing. A 488 nm laser diode and a 525 nm filter were incorporated to allow in situ fluorescent imaging of proteins trace‐labeled with a fluorophore, Alexa Fluor 488. The instrument was primarily designed using a 3D printer and augmented using commercially available parts, and this publication aims to serve as a guide for comparable in‐laboratory robotics projects.