Inexpensive robotic system for standard and fluorescent imaging of protein crystals

Abstract

Protein-crystallization imaging and classification is a labor-intensive process typically performed either by humans or by instruments that currently cost well over $100 000. This cost puts the use of crystallization-trial imaging outside the reach of most academic laboratories, and also start-up biotechnology firms, where resources are scarce. An imaging system has been designed and prototyped which automatically captures images from multi-well proteincrystallization experiments using both standard and fluorescent imaging techniques at a cost 28 times lower than current market rates. The machine uses a Panowin F1 3D printer as a base and controls it using G-code commands sent from a Python script running on a desktop computer. A graphical user interface (GUI) was developed to enable users to control the machine and facilitate image capture, classification and editing. A 488 nm laser diode and a 525 nm filter were incorporated to allow in situ fluorescent imaging of proteins trace-labeled with a fluorophore, Alexa Fluor 488. The instrument was primarily designed using a 3D printer and augmented using commercially available parts, and this publication aims to serve as a guide for comparable in-laboratory robotics projects. methods communications Acta Cryst. (2019). F75, 673-686 Handzlik et al. Inexpensive robotic system for imaging of protein crystals 683 Figure 9The full circuit diagram for this instrument. The 12 V power supply is provided by a 12 V, 2 A power adapter. Everything shown in this diagram was soldered to a perforated circuit board and organized with color-coded wires.

Rhodamine Conjugated Gelatin Methacryloyl Nanoparticles for Stable Cell Imaging

“…Bioimaging technologies have been extensively developed to facilitate the visualization of dynamic biological processes and detailed characteristics of cells and tissues. − There is significant interest in developing versatile forms of nanostructure-based fluorescent labels or probes for enhanced and precise in vitro or in vivo bioimaging . Fluorescence-based imaging technologies have been studied due to a myriad of merits such as their high selectivity, high sensitivity, diversity, real-time and in situ imaging ability, and high signal-to-noise ratio .…”