Automated macromolecular crystallization screening

US6860940B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• The Regents of the University of California · US

Inventors

• Brent W. Segelke · San Ramon, US
• Bernhard Rupp · Eppingen, DE
• Heike Krupka · Livermore, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Sep 23, 2002
• Grant date: Mar 1, 2005
• Expiry date: Feb 23, 2023

Classification

• Technology area (CPC Y): Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
• CPC primary: Y10T117/1088
• WIPO field: Organic fine chemistry
• WIPO sector: Chemistry

Abstract

An automated macromolecular crystallization screening system wherein a multiplicity of reagent mixes are produced. A multiplicity of analysis plates is produced utilizing the reagent mixes combined with a sample. The analysis plates are incubated to promote growth of crystals. Images of the crystals are made. The images are analyzed with regard to suitability of the crystals for analysis by x-ray crystallography. A design of reagent mixes is produced based upon the expected suitability of the crystals for analysis by x-ray crystallography. A second multiplicity of mixes of the reagent components is produced utilizing the design and a second multiplicity of reagent mixes is used for a second round of automated macromolecular crystallization screening. In one embodiment the multiplicity of reagent mixes are produced by a random selection of reagent components.