The ‘Sample Characterization for Serial Crystallography’ service focuses on evaluating microcrystal suspensions to ensure optimal quality for XFEL data collection. With state-of-the-art equipment and experienced staff, users can characterize their samples in detail and refine preparation strategies accordingly.
This service is to ensure that crystal quality and sample properties are well understood prior to beamtime, thereby improving data collection efficiency and overall experimental success.
Our laboratory is equipped with advanced instruments for comprehensive sample assessment, including Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS) for evaluating particle size distribution, Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) for direct visualization of microcrystals and, where feasible, diffraction tests, and Second-Order Nonlinear Imaging of Chiral Crystals (SONICC) for detecting protein crystals in complex mixtures. These techniques enable the detailed analysis of crystal morphology, size, homogeneity, and diffraction potential.
This service can be accessed through both remote and on-site modes, depending on the user’s needs and the nature of the characterization tasks.
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login to contact TEM (transmission electron microscope), Jeol 2100 Plus
- The JEOL 2100Plus is a 200 kV transmission electron microscope (TEM) that provides high-resolution imaging. For protein crystals of sub-micrometre size, there are few available methods to assess crystal quality. In such cases, TEM imaging can reveal the crystal lattice and confirm the diffraction capability of the sample.
DLS (dynamic light scattering)
Wyatt DynaPro NanoStar
Xtal Concepts SpectroLight 610
DLS/zeta-potential analyzer, Malvern Zetasizer Advance-Ultra
- The Wyatt DynaPro NanoStar and XtalConcept SpectroLight 610 are DLS instruments used to measure the size and size distribution of nanoparticles, proteins, and other macromolecules in solution. The Malvern Zetasizer Advance Ultra additionally measures zeta potential to assess colloidal stability. These instruments can be used to evaluate the quality of proteins prior to crystallization and to determine the size and distribution of protein micro- and nanocrystals.
Microcrystal imaging system, Formulatrix SONICC
-SONICC (Second Order Nonlinear Imaging of Chiral Crystals) is automated imaging system to detect tiny or hidden protein crystals using Second Harmonic Generation (SHG) and Ultraviolet Two-Photon Excited Fluorescence (UV-TPEF) techniques.
Consulting on beamtime proposal writing
- The service provides support for beamtime proposal preparation, assisting researchers in defining experimental strategies based on sample characterization. This service is particularly beneficial for researchers who are new to serial crystallography.