Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided for independently controlling dynamic, reagent-induced transformations of multiple samples including proteins being crystallized and cells being cultured. The invention provides an automatic robotic device that enhances protein crystallization in high-throughput, using reagent reservoirs (28) linked to reagent chambers (40), with sample chambers (44) communicating with the reagent chambers (40) via semipermeable membrane.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for dynamically controlling the crystallization of molecules including a crystallization chamber (14) or chambers for holding molecules in a precipitant solution, one or more precipitant solution reservoirs (16, 18), communication passages (17, 19) respectively coupling the crystallization chamber(s) with each of the precipitant solution reservoirs, and transfer mechanisms (20, 21, 22, 24, 26, 28) configured to respectively transfer precipitant solution between each of the precipitant solution reservoirs and the crystallization chamber(s). The transfer mechanisms are interlocked to maintain a constant volume of precipitant solution in the crystallization chamber(s). Precipitant solutions of different concentrations are transferred into and out of the crystallization chamber(s) to adjust the concentration of precipitant in the crystallization chamber(s) to achieve precise control of the crystallization process.

Abstract: This invention is a method for identifying conditions for growing protein crystals giving improved protein crystal growth. Crystals of a protein are grown under different sets of predetermined conditions, and x-ray topographic images of the protein crystals are generated to identify the set(s) of conditions that produce crystals having the fewest crystal defects. In a preferred embodiment, the protein crystals are grown in a dynamically controlled crystallization system. An important condition of crystal growth that can be optimized by the method of the invention is the effective gravity, geff, experienced by the growing crystal; for example, when the crystal is grown in a powerful magnetic field that causes the protein molecules in the growing crystal to experience acceleration of an effective gravitational field that is greater or less than the actual gravitational field at the earth's surface.

Abstract: This invention is a method for identifying conditions for growing protein crystals giving improved protein crystal growth. Crystals of a protein are grown under different sets of predetermined conditions, and x-ray topographic images of the protein crystals are generated to identify the set(s) of conditions that produce crystals having the fewest crystal defects. In a preferred embodiment, the protein crystals are grown in a dynamically controlled crystallization system. An important condition of crystal growth that can be optimized by the method of the invention is the effective gravity, geff, experienced by the growing crystal; for example, when the crystal is grown in a powerful magnetic field that causes the protein molecules in the growing crystal to experience acceleration of an effective gravitational field that is greater or less than the actual gravitational field at the earth's surface.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for dynamically controlling the crystallization of proteins including a crystallization chamber or chambers for holding a protein in a salt solution, one or more salt solution chambers, two communication passages respectively coupling the crystallization chamber with each of the salt solution chambers, and transfer mechanisms configured to respectively transfer salt solution between each of the salt solution chambers and the crystallization chamber. The transfer mechanisms are interlocked to maintain the volume of salt solution in the crystallization chamber substantially constant. Salt solution of different concentrations is transferred into and out of the crystallization chamber to adjust the salt concentration in the crystallization chamber to achieve precise control of the crystallization process.