Abstract: A method of screening protein crystal growth conditions with picogram to microgram amounts of protein in picoliter or nanoliter volumes is provided. A preferred method comprises a microarray with a plurality of microchambers in the microarray. A protein solution is placed into the micro-chambers by an automated dispensing mechanism. The protein crystal growth conditions of each of the micro-chambers is adjusted so that the protein crystal growth conditions in at least two of the micro-chambers differs. Crystallization of the protein solution in the micro-chambers is effected. For example, crystallization can be effected by a precipitate solution and/or placing an oil barrier over the protein solution. Protein crystal growth in the micro-chambers is then observed.

Abstract: An improved method of screening crystal growth conditions is provided wherein molecules are crystallized from solutions containing dyes. These dyes are selectively incorporated or associated with crystals of particular character thereby rendering crystals of particular character colored and improving detection of the dyed crystals. A preferred method involves use of dyes in protein solutions overlayed by oil. Use of oil allows the use of small volumes of solution and facilitates the screening of large numbers of crystallization conditions in arrays using automated devices that dispense appropriate solutions to generate crystallization trials, overlay crystallization trials with an oil, provide appropriate conditions conducive to crystallization and enhance detection of dyed (colored) or undyed (uncolored) crystals that result.

Abstract: A method of screening protein crystal growth conditions on a nano or meso scale comprises providing a micro-electromechanical chip with a plurality of micro-chambers in the micro-electromechanical chip. A protein solution is placed into the micro-chambers by an automated jet type dispensing means with nano or meso scale precision. The protein crystal growth conditions of each of the micro-chambers is adjusted so that the protein crystal growth conditions of each of the micro-chambers differs. Crystallization of the protein solution in the micro-chambers is effected. Protein crystal growth in the micro-chambers is then observed.

Abstract: A method for distinguishing between biomolecule and non-biomolecule crystals. The method comprises providing electromagnetic radiation to a sample comprising a crystal, allowing the electromagnetic radiation to interact with components of the crystal, and detecting effected changes, if any, in the quantity or character of the electromagnetic radiation, whereby a biomolecule crystal is capable of being distinguished from a non-biomolecule crystal. A device adapted for distinguishing between biomolecule and non-biomolecule crystals comprises a sample support, a source for a type of electromagnetic radiation, wherein the electromagnetic radiation can be provided to the sample, and a detector for the electromagnetic radiation wherein changes in the quantity or character of the electromagnetic radiation can be detected. The device can comprise more than one source of electromagnetic radiation for providing more than one type of radiation.

Abstract: Methods are provided for controlling the rate of vapor diffusion between a crystal growth solution and a reservoir solution comprising placing a device between the crystal growth solution and the reservoir solution, the device having defined therein a discrete diffusion pathway, wherein the pathway controls the vapor diffusion rate between the crystal growth solution and the reservoir solution.

Abstract: An improved method of screening crystal growth conditions is provided wherein molecules are crystallized from solutions containing dyes. These dyes are selectively incorporated or associated with crystals of particular character thereby rendering crystals of particular character colored and improving detection of the dyed crystals. A preferred method involves use of dyes in protein solutions overlayed by oil. Use of oil allows the use of small volumes of solution and facilitates the screening of large numbers of crystallization conditions in arrays using automated devices that dispense appropriate solutions to generate crystallization trials, overlay crystallization trials with an oil, provide appropriate conditions conducive to crystallization and enhance detection of dyed (colored) or undyed (uncolored) crystals that result.

Abstract: A method of screening protein crystal growth conditions with picogram to microgram amounts of protein in picoliter or nanoliter volumes is provided. A preferred method comprises a microarray with a plurality of micro-chambers in the microarray. A protein solution is placed into the micro-chambers by an automated dispensing mechanism. The protein crystal growth conditions of each of the micro-chambers is adjusted so that the protein crystal growth conditions in at least two of the micro-chambers differs. Crystallization of the protein solution in the micro-chambers is effected. For example, crystallization can be effected by a precipitate solution and/or placing an oil barrier over the protein solution. Protein crystal growth in the micro-chambers is then observed.

Abstract: Crystal growth can be initiated and controlled by dynamically controlled vapor diffusion or temperature change. In one aspect, the present invention uses a precisely controlled vapor diffusion approach to monitor and control protein crystal growth. The system utilizes a humidity sensor and various interfaces under computer control to effect virtually any evaporation rate from a number of different growth solutions simultaneously by means of an evaporative gas flow. A static laser light scattering sensor can be used to detect aggregation events and trigger a change in the evaporation rate for a growth solution. A control/follower configuration can be used to actively monitor one chamber and accurately control replicate chambers relative to the control chamber. In a second aspect, the invention exploits the varying solubility of proteins versus temperature to control the growth of protein crystals.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel biophotonic sensors that have molecular recognition with high sensitivity for target molecules. In one embodiment, the biophotonic sensors have capture moieties with high specificity for molecules of interest (target molecules) and biophotonic conjugates. The biophotonic conjugates exhibit a characteristic photonic activity only when a target molecule is bound. This characteristic photonic activity may include, but is not limited to, either a qualitative response or a measurable change in photonic characteristics upon interaction of the sensors with the target molecules. Methods are also provided for use of the biophotonic sensors to detect molecules of interest either in vitro, in vivo, or in situ.

Abstract: Crystal growth can be initiated and controlled by dynamically controlled vapor diffusion or temperature change. In one aspect, the present invention uses a precisely controlled vapor diffusion approach to monitor and control protein crystal growth. The system utilizes a humidity sensor and various interfaces under computer control to effect virtually any evaporation rate from a number of different growth solutions simultaneously by means of an evaporative gas flow. A static laser light scattering sensor can be used to detect aggregation events and trigger a change in the evaporation rate for a growth solution. A control/follower configuration can be used to actively monitor one chamber and accurately control replicate chambers relative to the control chamber. In a second aspect, the invention exploits the varying solubility of proteins versus temperature to control the growth of protein crystals.

Abstract: Crystal growth can be initiated and controlled by dynamically controlled vapor diffusion or temperature change. In one aspect, the present invention uses a precisely controlled vapor diffusion approach to monitor and control protein crystal growth. The system utilizes a humidity sensor and various interfaces under computer control to effect virtually any evaporation rate from a number of different growth solutions simultaneously by means of an evaporative gas flow. A static laser light scattering sensor can be used to detect aggregation events and trigger a change in the evaporation rate for a growth solution. A control/follower configuration can be used to actively monitor one chamber and accurately control replicate chambers relative to the control chamber. In a second aspect, the invention exploits the varying solubility of proteins versus temperature to control the growth of protein crystals.