Abstract: A single-piece hybrid droplet generator and nozzle component for serial crystallography. The single-piece hybrid droplet generator component including an internally-formed droplet-generation channel, an internally-formed sample channel, a nozzle, and a pair of electrode chambers. The droplet-generation channel extends from a first fluid inlet opening to the nozzle. The sample channel extends from a second fluid inlet opening to the droplet-generation channel and joins the droplet-generation channel at a junction. The nozzle is configured to eject a stream of segmented aqueous droplets in a carrier fluid from the droplet-generation channel through a nozzle opening of the single-piece component. The pair of electrode chambers are positioned adjacent to the droplet-generation channel near the junction between the droplet-generation channel and the sample channel.

Abstract: A single-piece hybrid droplet generator and nozzle component for serial crystallography. The single-piece hybrid droplet generator component including an internally-formed droplet-generation channel, an internally-formed sample channel, a nozzle, and a pair of electrode chambers. The droplet-generation channel extends from a first fluid inlet opening to the nozzle. The sample channel extends from a second fluid inlet opening to the droplet-generation channel and joins the droplet-generation channel at a junction. The nozzle is configured to eject a stream of segmented aqueous droplets in a carrier fluid from the droplet-generation channel through a nozzle opening of the single-piece component. The pair of electrode chambers are positioned adjacent to the droplet-generation channel near the junction between the droplet-generation channel and the sample channel.

Abstract: A microfluidic device for use in a serial crystallography apparatus includes a modular 3D-printed nozzle having an inlet, an outlet, and a first snap engagement feature. The microfluidic device further includes a modular 3D-printed fiber holder having an outlet and a second snap engagement feature. The first snap engagement feature is configured to engage the second snap engagement feature to removably couple the nozzle to the fiber holder. The outlet of the fiber holder is aligned with the inlet of the nozzle when the first snap engagement feature is coupled to the second snap engagement feature.

Abstract: Systems and methods for performing serial crystallography by providing an aqueous suspension of a crystal sample to a T-junction at a first flow rate and providing an immiscible oil fluid to the T-junction at a second flow rate. The aqueous suspension and the oil are combined at the T-junction to produce a co-flow output fluid including a parallel co-flow of the aqueous suspension and the oil in the same output channel. The co-flow output fluid is ejected as a jet stream through a nozzle and the sample flow rate in the crystal sample in the jet stream is adjusted by adjusting the first flow rate of the aqueous suspension and the second flow rate of the oil. By combining the aqueous sample and the oil in this manner, the output of the jet stream can be regulated for compatibility with X-ray free electron laser serial crystallography.

Abstract: A microfluidic device for use in a serial crystallography apparatus includes a nozzle having an inlet, an outlet, and a first snap engagement feature. The microfluidic device further includes a fiber holder having an outlet and a second snap engagement feature. The first snap engagement feature is configured to engage the second snap engagement feature to removably couple the nozzle to the fiber holder. The outlet of the fiber holder is aligned with the inlet of the nozzle when the first snap engagement feature is coupled to the second snap engagement feature.

Abstract: Systems and methods for performing serial crystallography by providing an aqueous suspension of a crystal sample to a T-junction at a first flow rate and providing an immiscible oil fluid to the T-junction at a second flow rate. The aqueous suspension and the oil are combined at the T-junction to produce a co-flow output fluid including a parallel co-flow of the aqueous suspension and the oil in the same output channel. The co-flow output fluid is ejected as a jet stream through a nozzle and the sample flow rate in the crystal sample in the jet stream is adjusted by adjusting the first flow rate of the aqueous suspension and the second flow rate of the oil. By combining the aqueous sample and the oil in this manner, the output of the jet stream can be regulated for compatibility with X-ray free electron laser serial crystallography.

Abstract: A single-piece hybrid droplet generator and nozzle component for serial crystallography. The single-piece hybrid droplet generator component including an internally-formed droplet-generation channel, an internally-formed sample channel, a nozzle, and a pair of electrode chambers. The droplet-generation channel extends from a first fluid inlet opening to the nozzle. The sample channel extends from a second fluid inlet opening to the droplet-generation channel and joins the droplet-generation channel at a junction. The nozzle is configured to eject a stream of segmented aqueous droplets in a carrier fluid from the droplet-generation channel through a nozzle opening of the single-piece component. The pair of electrode chambers are positioned adjacent to the droplet-generation channel near the junction between the droplet-generation channel and the sample channel.