Method and apparatus for crystalizing macromolecules in microgravity

US6027565A · kind A · utility

Inventors

• Charles E. Bugg · Birmingham, US
• Lawrence L. Delucas · Birmingham, US
• Tattanhalli L. Nagabhushan · Parsippany, US
• Paul P. Trotta · Rutherford, US
• Michael D. Harrington · Birmingham, US
• John Bradford Bishop, deceased · Rome, US
• by Sue C. Bishop, executrix · Rome, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Oct 9, 1997
• Grant date: Feb 22, 2000
• Expiry date: Oct 9, 2017

Classification

• Technology area (CPC Y): Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
• CPC primary: Y10T117/1024
• WIPO field: Surface technology, coating
• WIPO sector: Chemistry

Abstract

An apparatus for producing crystals of a macromolecule in microgravity includes a container 100 which is made of a material having a low thermal conductivity and an open end. A thermally conductive lid 102 is fitted on the open end of the container to close the container and a heat source/sink 114 is provided in thermal contact with the thermally conductive lid to generate a temperature gradient within the container. When a solution of the macromolecule is provided in the container, the temperature gradient induces and control the crystallization of the macromolecule. In operation, a temperature ramp from a start temperature to an end temperature is used to maintain and control the temperature gradient.