Automatic preparation of protein crystals using laboratory robotics and automated visual inspection
| Autor: | Keith B. Ward, William M. Zuk, M.A. Perozzo |
|---|---|
| Rok vydání: | 1988 |
| Předmět: |
business.industry
Computer science Robotics Condensed Matter Physics Automation law.invention Inorganic Chemistry Drop method Visual inspection Crystallography Laboratory robotics law Materials Chemistry Artificial intelligence Crystallization Video monitoring business Protein crystallization Process engineering |
| Zdroj: | Journal of Crystal Growth. 90:325-339 |
| ISSN: | 0022-0248 |
| Popis: | A significant concern in the field of protein crystallography remains the routine preparation of single crystals suitable for x-ray diffraction studies. Crystallization techniques developed within the last three decades typically require accurate manipulation of microliter quantities of protein, buffer, and precipitating solutions. The accuracy and reproducibility necessary for such processes, together with the repetitiveness of the tasks, make several of the crystallization methods particularly appropriate for automation techniques. We describe here our efforts to automate the preparation of protein crystals by the sandwiched drop method using commercially available laboratory robotics equipment. The system incorporates a video monitoring station which permits automated inspection of individual crystallization droplets. Results obtained from the automatic monitoring of crystallization experiments will be utilized to redesign and prepare new experiments which will then be carried out by the robotics system, thereby allowing a more fully automated system for crystallization. |
| Databáze: | OpenAIRE |
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