Instruct provides full use of the Strubi-crystallisation facility for setting up crystallisation experiments and monitoring these experiments via a web-based graphical user interface (GUI). Facilities include setting up screening experiments and also various optimisation methods including grid screens and additive screens. Experiments are typically performed in 100nL sample + 100nL reagent vapour-diffusion format.
Typical sample volumes required are 15 µL per 96 well nanodrop crystallisation plate. The optimal protein concentration is determined with a pre-crystallisation test and is usually between 5 and 10 ml/mg depending upon the nature of the sample. Please try to use a minimal buffer in which the sample is stable, and try to avoid phosphate buffer if possible.
A wide range of primary screens and optimisation methods are available. Plates are set up at room temperature and then transferred to storage and imaging systems at 20.5°C or 6.5°C. Experiments can be monitored remotely from the user's home laboratory. A general description of the facility can be found here: New developments for automated protein crystallisation in microplates.