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MPI tray: a versatile crystallization plate for membrane proteins
Author(s) -
Rathmann Barbara,
Quirnheim Pais David,
Thielmann Yvonne
Publication year - 2017
Publication title -
journal of applied crystallography
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.429
H-Index - 162
ISSN - 1600-5767
DOI - 10.1107/s1600576716019452
Subject(s) - crystallization , tray , membrane , materials science , macromolecule , surface tension , nanotechnology , protein crystallization , computer science , chemical engineering , process engineering , chemistry , mechanical engineering , engineering , physics , biochemistry , quantum mechanics
High‐throughput crystallization of biological macromolecules is usually performed on multi‐well plates, the design of which needs to address different and sometimes conflicting requirements. In this regard, handling of membrane proteins presents a particular challenge owing to the common use of detergents with associated effects on surface tension. Reported here is the design of a new crystallization plate, termed the MPI tray, which is optimized for UV and visible imaging with membrane protein samples. Following basic considerations regarding geometry and material, the surface properties of the plate were subjected to extensive analysis and modification in order to improve the performance in a robotic environment. An electrostatic surface potential was identified as the major problem affecting the automated setup of experiments, and it was found that treatment of the crystallization plate with ethanol is effective in removing this potential.