Automated method for setting up multiple crystallization experiments in submicroliter volumes

US7015041B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• The Regents of the University of California · US

Inventors

• Bernard D. Santarsiero · San Diego, US
• Raymond C. Stevens · Village of La Jolla, US
• Peter G. Schultz · Village of La Jolla, US
• Joseph M. Jaklevic · Lafayette, US
• Derek T. Yegian · Oakland, US
• Earl Cornell · Antioch, US
• Robert Nordmeyer · Calabasas, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Dec 31, 2002
• Grant date: Mar 21, 2006
• Expiry date: Oct 16, 2023

Classification

• Technology area (CPC Y): Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
• CPC primary: Y10T436/2575
• WIPO field: Measurement
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

A method is provided for performing array microcrystallizations to determine suitable crystallization conditions for a molecule, the method comprising: forming an array of microcrystallizations, each microcrystallization comprising a drop comprising a mother liquor solution whose composition varies within the array and a molecule to be crystallized, the drop having a volume of less than 1 microliter; storing the array of microcrystallizations under conditions suitable for molecule crystals to form in the drops in the array; and detecting molecule crystal formation in the drops by taking images of the drops.