Automated analysis of vapor diffusion crystallization drops with an X-ray beam.

Crystallogenesis, usually based on the vapor diffusion method, is currently considered one of the most difficult steps in macromolecular X-ray crystallography. Due to the increasing number of crystallization assays performed by protein crystallographers, several automated analysis methods are under development. Most of these methods are based on microscope images and shape recognition.

A new highly integrated sample environment for protein crystallography.

Protein crystallography is becoming a popular technique that is routinely used to access structural information. At one end of the process, sample preparation is now facilitated by commercially available crystallization kits. At the other end, structure determination has been made easier by automated software.