The macromolecular crystallography facility allows users to solve 3-dimensional structures of proteins using X-rays. The facility consists of the equipment and resources required to produce crystals of macromolecules (single proteins, protein:protein complexes, nucleoprotein complexes, proteins in complex with ligands) and collect the X-ray diffraction pattern data from single crystals.
CryoEm
CryoEM Microscope
available soon
Grid preparation
The Crystal Shifter is an invaluable addition to our facility, particularly for high-throughput projects like XChem experiments that require rapid handling of hundreds of crystals. This advanced instrument revolutionises crystal harvesting and protein fragment screening by automating routine tasks, thereby accelerating mounting speed and improving the overall quality and quantity of crystals obtained from each experiment. It provides a comprehensive solution from start to finish—covering preparation, imaging, soaking, mounting, and even shipping samples to the beamline.
X-Ray
X-Ray source
We are equipped with a MetalJet D2 from Bruker, housed within a D8 enclosure. Our cryojet is a cryostream 700 from Oxfordcryosystems. To increase the speed and easy the sample mounting the Metaljet is equiped with the sample loading robot Scout from Bruker.
Crystal screening
The facility is equipped with a Mosquito LCP nanodrop crystallisation robot from SPT Labtech. It is ideal for screening many crystallisation conditions with a minimal amount of protein.
Optimisation Screens
The Dragonfly allow rapid and accurate preparation of complex crystallisation gradients or optimisation screen, even with viscous liquids, while eliminating cross-contamination. dragonfly partners seamlessly with mosquito in the protein crystallisation screening workflow.
Crystallisation room
The main crystallisation room is at a controlled temperature of 20 degrees C. It provides ample storage for crystal trays and a work bench. For crystal visualisation and manipulation, two Nikon stereo microscopes are provided. They are equipped with cold light sources and polarising filters. One of the microscopes is also fitted with a digital camera and a 17 inch monitor.
Plate hotel
We have invested in 2 Formulatrix Rock Imager 1000, a system for automated visualisation (visible light and UV)– through a digital microscope – and storage of crystallisation plates at 20°C or 4°C. These hotel imagers are programmed to make regular inspections of users’ trays in the Gallery, and the photomicrographs can be inspected over the internet.
Crystal Shifter
The Crystal Shifter is an invaluable addition to our facility, particularly for high-throughput projects like XChem experiments that require rapid handling of hundreds of crystals. This advanced instrument revolutionises crystal harvesting and protein fragment screening by automating routine tasks, thereby accelerating mounting speed and improving the overall quality and quantity of crystals obtained from each experiment. It provides a comprehensive solution from start to finish—covering preparation, imaging, soaking, mounting, and even shipping samples to the beamline.
