The plug-based nanovolume Microcapillary Protein Crystallization System (MPCS)

The Microcapillary Protein Crystallization System (MPCS) is a new protein-crystallization technology used to generate nanolitre-sized crystallization experiments for crystal screening and optimization. Using the MPCS, diffraction-ready crystals were grown in the plastic MPCS CrystalCard and were used to solve the structure of methionine-R-sulfoxide reductase

The plug-based nanovolume Microcapillary Protein Crystallization System (MPCS)

This is the published version. Copyright International Union of CrystallographyThe Microcapillary Protein Crystallization System (MPCS) embodies a new semi-automated plug-based crystallization technology which enables nanolitre-volume screening of crystallization conditions in a plasticware format that allows crystals to be easily removed for traditional cryoprotection and X-ray diffraction data collection. Protein crystals grown in these plastic devices can be directly subjected to in situ X-ray diffraction studies. The MPCS integrates the formulation of crystallization cocktails with the preparation of the crystallization experiments. Within microfluidic Teflon tubing or the microfluidic circuitry of a plastic CrystalCard, ~10-20 nl volume droplets are generated, each representing a microbatch-style crystallization experiment with a different chemical composition. The entire protein sample is utilized in crystallization experiments. Sparse-matrix screening and chemical gradient screening can be combined in one com­prehensive `hybrid' crystallization trial. The technology lends itself well to optimization by high-granularity gradient screening using optimization reagents such as precipitation agents, ligands or cryoprotectants

The Protein Maker: an automated system for high-throughput parallel purification

The Protein Maker instrument addresses a critical bottleneck in structural genomics by allowing automated purification and buffer testing of multiple protein targets in parallel with a single instrument. Here, the use of this instrument to (i) purify multiple influenza-virus proteins in parallel for crystallization trials and (ii) identify optimal lysis-buffer conditions prior to large-scale protein purification is described

1989-1990: The Jeremiah

Alan Mixon as ThomasThe Jeremiah;Grayscal

1989-1990: The Jeremiah

From left: Alan Mixon as Thomas and Jen Jones as ConstanceThe Jeremiah;Grayscal

1989-1990: The Jeremiah

Foreground: Alan Mixon as Thomas. Background, from left: James Fletcher as Joe, Jen Jones as Constance, and Carrie Hitchcock as AliceThe Jeremiah;Grayscal

1989-1990: The Jeremiah

From left: Alan Mixon as Thomas and Carrie Hitchcock as AliceThe Jeremiah;Grayscal