Open AccessModular field‐flow fractionation and dynamic laser light scattering system for size and molecular weight determination
Author(s) -
Thorsten Klein,
Peter F. W. Simon
Publication year - 2002
Publication title -
acta crystallographica section d
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
ISSN - 1399-0047
DOI - 10.1107/s0907444902014877
Subject(s) - modular design , fractionation , field flow fractionation , dynamic light scattering , laser , scattering , light scattering , field (mathematics) , materials science , mechanics , chemistry , physics , chromatography , optics , computer science , mathematics , nanotechnology , pure mathematics , nanoparticle , operating system
MEMS (Microelectro-mechanical systems) and Micro ̄uidics-based protein crystallization devices are applicable to highthroughput and high-quality protein crystallization. The high-throughput crystallization devices enable automated preparation and evaluation of a small amount of sample droplet, and active control of several crystallization conditions is possible in high-quality crystallization devices. Recent progress in macromolecular crystallography requires new methodological technology for both the purpose of high-throughput and high-quality protein crystallization. PCMOS are the ®rst downsized, integrated and high-performance MEMS (MicroElectro-Mechanical Systems) technology-based devices for such kinds of macromolecular crystallization. Some unique features of the PCMOS include the following. 1. Materials are clean and chemically stable. 2. Consumption is of small amounts of protein and precipitant solutions. 3. The systems are compatible with conventional crystallization well plates and tools. 4. They can be applied to high-throughput crystallization screening. 5. Automated crystallization, cryocooling, and X-ray diffraction data collection is possible. 6. Three-dimensional integration enables simple crystallization work.