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PDBsum entry 4b0d
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References listed in PDB file
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Key reference
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Title
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Crystaldirect: a new method for automated crystal harvesting based on laser-Induced photoablation of thin films.
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Authors
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F.Cipriani,
M.Röwer,
C.Landret,
U.Zander,
F.Felisaz,
J.A.Márquez.
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Ref.
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Acta Crystallogr D Biol Crystallogr, 2012,
68,
1393-1399.
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PubMed id
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Abstract
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The use of automated systems for crystallization and X-ray data collection is
now widespread. However, these two steps are separated by the need to transfer
crystals from crystallization supports to X-ray data-collection supports, which
is a difficult manual operation. Here, a new approach is proposed called
CrystalDirect (CD) which enables full automation of the crystal-harvesting
process. In this approach, crystals are grown on ultrathin films in a newly
designed vapour-diffusion crystallization plate and are recovered by excision of
the film through laser-induced photoablation. The film pieces containing
crystals are then directly attached to a pin for X-ray data collection. This new
method eliminates the delicate step of `crystal fishing', thereby enabling full
automation of the crystal-mounting process. Additional advantages of this
approach include the absence of mechanical stress and that it facilitates
handling of microcrystals. The CD crystallization plates are also suitable for
in situ crystal screening with minimal X-ray background. This method could
enable the operational integration of highly automated crystallization and
data-collection facilities, minimizing the delay between crystal identification
and diffraction measurements. It can also contribute significantly to the
advancement of challenging projects that require the systematic testing of large
numbers of crystals.
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