Protein crystal growth results for shuttle flights STS-26 and STS-29

Formation of protein crystals (orthorhombic lysozyme) in quasi-microgravity environment obtained by superconducting magnet

“…The crystallization of biological macromolecules is an empirical science of rational trial and error guided by previous studies, and the development of general methods to improve the crystal quality has been expected. For example, crystallization experiments conducted in space have indicated that about 30% of crystals grown in space yield better X-ray diffraction data than the best crystals grown on the earth [1,2]. An obvious difference between space-and earth-based experiments is the reduction of buoyancy driven convection and sedimentation of crystals.…”

Atomic force microscopy of insulin single crystals: direct visualization of molecules and crystal growth

“…However, one of the primary obstacles to protein characterization is the growth of crystals suitable for x-ray diffraction. This difficulty stems from numerous factors, including convective currents, which lead to poor crystal quality (Koszelak et al, 1995;Day and McPherson, 1992;DeLucas et al, 1986DeLucas et al, , 1989DeLucas et al, , 1991Erdmann et al, 1989), and aggregation processes that can lead to noncrystalline solids or crystals with high defect density and irreproducible solvent contents (Matthews, 1968). Crystal purity, size, morphology, and polymorph identity are also important issues in the manufacture, ease of delivery, and bioavailability of crystals of therapeutic proteins (Byrn, 1982;Carstensen, 1977), requiring careful optimization of crystal growth conditions such as temperature, pH, concentration, and additive levels.…”

Imaging techniques for mapping solution parameters, growth rate, and surface features during the growth of crystals from solution

“…Subsequent reports of flight experiments [97,98] and hardware development [99] made little mention of convection measurement as a tool for understanding protein crystal growth. This problem was later considered in a comprehensive review of macromolecular crystallization [163].…”