W0240

Growth and Handling of Crystals in High-throughput Production. Alexander McPherson, University of California, Irvine, Dept of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Irvine, CA 92697-3900

Some preliminary experiments have been carried out where X-ray data have been collected from macromolecular crystals in situ. The usual processes of mounting for either room temperature or cryogenic X-ray data collection were eliminated by growing crystals, using vapor diffusion, on small supports or films that could be either frozen, or alternately, treated before transfer directly to the X-ray beam. The approach has the advantage that individual crystals are never manipulated, it is not necessary to isolate single crystals, crystals fixed to the surface on which they grow provides a positive advantage, small and otherwise problematic crystals become serviceable, and robotic or automated data collection becomes simplified. Using this, or similar procedures that reduce the necessity of human intervention and facilitate automated handling of crystals may be an important feature, if not a necessity, in high throughput crystallography. An expanded capacity to utilize small or sensitive crystals otherwise difficult to manipulate may also provide a significant contribution.