The Flexus Crystal IMP automated instrument from UK distributor Anachem is said to be the only commercially available product for cubic phase in meso protein crystallography. Designed specifically for speed, precision and careful handling, the product embraces a technique that is otherwise difficult and laborious to perform manually, the company says.
One method for crystallisation of membrane proteins exploits the ability of lipids to form liquid crystals or mesophases. However, the method has not been widely adopted as it can be difficult to perform. Problems include the need to manipulate an extremely viscous lipidic cubic phase and accurately position the precipitant on top of the cubic phase.
According to Luton-based Anachem, the Flexus Crystal IMP automates the practical difficulties of delivering small nanolitre volumes of highly viscous cubic phase. The system uses a syringe mounted onto a fully integrated micro-syringe pump on the arm of the robotic platform.The mixed cubic phase is transferred directly to the micro-pump and precisely dispensed onto a glass slide, with precipitant added directly on top.
Plates can be prepared in less than 10 minutes with excellent reproducibility, allowing high throughput trials that require minimal amounts of protein. The intense speed of the instrument also enables thorough screening of membrane proteins and allows users to concentrate on inspecting plates for crystals rather than in the preparation itself.
