Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for taking the inventory of liquids dispensed in full and partially filled containers. An electronic device captures images of containers and associated liquid volumes. The containers are identified by a shape, label, universal purchasing code, or other identifying means using a graphical user interface input/output. An image of the container is displayed and a border around the container is provided to create a duplicate thereof as well as the total volume. Pixel imaging of the container and contents (including meniscus detection) is achieved through detecting connected pixels. A volume of liquid remaining in the container is determined as a function of the connected pixels and an inventory including amounts of particular liquids is provided by utilizing convolutional neural networks. The system and methods allow accurate liquid inventory while limiting human input to operating the electronic device to capture the initial image of the container.

Abstract: A robot is described for automatically performing microfluidic experiments that are often complex and repetitive. The robot includes a system for initiating the communication of off-chip fluids, such as fluorocarbons, and off-chip materials, such as proteins. The communication of off-chip fluids and off-chip materials is further guided to a microfluidics device vis-à-vis a Z-head robot, an XY plane robot, and an interface assembly that creates a fluid-tight joint for communicating the off-chip fluids and off-chip materials into the microfluidics device for conduction of microfluidics experiments.

Abstract: A nanovolume microcapillary crystallization system allows nanoliter-volume screening of crystallization conditions in a crystal card that allows crystals to either be removed for traditional cryoprotection or in situ X-ray diffraction studies on protein crystals that grow within. The system integrates formulation of crystallization cocktails with preparation of the crystallization experiments. The system allows the researcher to select either gradient screening in crystallization experiments for efficient exploration of crystallization phase space or a combination of sparse matrix with gradient screening to execute one comprehensive hybrid crystallization trial.

Abstract: Pieces of software and databases are used to facilitate the design and synthesis of genes. The synthesis techniques allow identification, quantification, transcription, translation, and manipulation of portions of the gene sequence represented as 0's and 1's in a computing system. These pieces of software and databases compile constraint information provided by a user to create synthetic genes to express proteins lacking disordered or variable regions and containing surface mutations that promote solubility and/or crystallization. Regions of the gene sequence that do not form stable structures can be removed and replaced by a short biological linker to improve crystallization of proteins.

Abstract: This invention relates to crystallization based assays for identifying ligands that bind to a macromolecule.

Abstract: A matrix mixing robot includes a plurality of precision pumps (such as precision syringe pumps), a distributor and a processor system. Each pump, under the control of the processor system, draws an associated stock solution from a stock solution source, and pumps the drawn stock solution out through an outlet. The distributor, also under the control of the processor system, directs a stock solution from a particular pump outlet to a selected solution receptacle. A multi-port distribution valve may be associated with each precision pump. Each valve, under control of the processor system, can connect its associated pump to one the pump's inlets or outlets.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system and a method for depositing crystallization observations into a relational database. The system includes a computer, microscope, and a headset having a microphone and headphones. Crystallization observations are deposited into the database by verbal commands. Verbal commands also drive the crystallization apparatus plates to position the apparatus wells within the microscope field of vision. The system is integrated with a software application which enables the user to build the trials, matrices, solutions, and macromolecules to be used in the crystallization trials. The user is guided through the crystallization trial setup by a multitude of managers and builders of the software application. The software application also provides numerous tools to query the database and display results in a multitude of formats.

Abstract: A matrix mixing robot includes a plurality of precision pumps (such as precision syringe pumps), a distributor and a processor system. Each pump, under the control of the processor system, draws an associated stock solution from a stock solution source, and pumps the drawn stock solution out through an outlet. The distributor, also under the control of the processor system, directs a stock solution from a particular pump outlet to a selected solution receptacle. A multi-port distribution valve may be associated with each precision pump. Each valve, under control of the processor system, can connect its associated pump to one the pump's inlets or outlets.

Abstract: This invention relates to crystallization based assays for identifying ligands that bind to a macromolecule.

Abstract: The plate mover, according to the present invention, is an integrated stage mover and stereo microscope which moves crystallization plates through the microscope field of view. A digital camera attached to the microscope can capture images of crystallization results as the crystallization plate is moved through the field of vision of the microscope. The plate mover is suitably controlled by a computer having a CPU and a memory, wherein a software application, such as Crystal Monitor™ resides in the computer. Crystal Monitor™ is a suitable software application for crystallization results data entry which can use voice recognition commands to enter a crystallization result in a database. Real-time images can be viewed on a computer monitor during operation of the plate mover. Suitably, an automatic observation feature causes the crystallization results in a plate with minimal user intervention.

Abstract: In one aspect, the present invention provides crystallization solutions useful for crystallizing proteins and other molecules, especially macromolecules. In a presently preferred embodiment, the crystallization solutions of the invention are combined as four crystallization solution sets. Each of the four crystallization solution sets includes forty eight different crystallization solutions. Each individual crystallization solution includes a precipitant and a buffer, and optionally includes at least one additive. In another aspect, the present invention provides kits including a plurality of crystallization solutions of the present invention and at least one crystallization plate that preferably includes a plurality of reservoirs. Preferably the crystallization solutions are disposed within the reservoirs of the crystallization plates.