Method of loading a crystallization device

摘要

The present invention pertains to a method for loading a crystallization device and for manufacturing a crystallization device comprising multiple receptacles with a pre-defined amount of at least one matrix-forming compound capable of forming a crystallization matrix for a membrane protein, said method comprising the following steps: a) Modifying the state of aggregation of said at least one matrix-forming compound to a fluidic state which allows dispensing said at least one matrix-forming compound, and b) dispensing a defined amount of said at least one matrix-forming compound into at least one receptacle of the crystallization device, wherein said dispensed matrix-forming compound solidifies within said receptacle. Thereby, pre-filled crystallization devices are obtained which can be used as consumables in particular in automated crystallization processes. Also provided are protein crystallization methods using respectively prepared crystallization devices.

主权项

1. A method for loading a crystallization device comprising multiple receptacles with a pre-defined amount of at least one matrix-forming compound capable of forming a crystallization matrix for a membrane protein, comprising:
a) modifying the state of aggregation of said at least one matrix-forming compound from a solid to a fluidic state which allows dispensing said at least one matrix-forming compound; b) dispensing a defined amount of said at least one matrix-forming compound into at least one receptacle of the crystallization device, wherein the at least one matrix-forming compound does not comprise the membrane protein; and c) solidifying said at least one matrix-forming compound in said receptacle to form a solidified matrix-forming compound, wherein the solidified matrix-forming compound does not comprise the membrane protein and has not formed a crystallization matrix.