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.