CRYSTAL-GROWING METHOD AND SOLID ELEMENT AND DEVICE FOR CRYSTAL GROWTH USED IN THE METHOD

摘要

A method for accelerating the crystallization of biopolymers such as a protein. A crystalline silicon element (70) controlled in the valence electrons in such a way that the concentration of holes or electrons present on the surface can be controlled in accordance with the conditions of a buffer solution (72) containing a biopolymer such as a protein is brought into contact with the solution (72) to thereby crystallize the biopolymer on the surface of the element (70); a plurality of grooves or hollows different in size are formed on the element (70) and the valence electrons are controlled in such a way that the crystallization of the biopolymer in the grooves or hollows can be conducted more rapidly than in the outside of them; and the crystals of the biopolymer grow in the grooves or hollows in contact with the solution (72).