Crystallization Facility

Our mission

Our mission is to provide all researchers at the MPI-NAT with access to a centralized structural biology infrastructure for the crystallization of macromolecules (proteins, protein complexes, protein-nucleic acid complexes). We support all crystallographic projects – from assistance with designing crystallization constructs to data collection at synchrotron facilities. In addition to a fully equipped infrastructure, we provide all necessary consumables free of charge.

What we offer

The Crystallization Facility offers a high-throughput, nanovolume screening service with optional microseeding. Vapor-diffusion crystallization experiments are stored in two automated imaging systems at 20 °C.

Our users analyze their imaged crystallization trials using Rockmaker software directly from their lab computers.

We carry out an initial X-ray in-situ diffraction analysis of crystallization hits via our PX scanner to comfortably exclude salt crystals prior to optimization attempts. The facility can further assist in the reproduction and optimization of initial crystallization hits via advanced liquid-handling robotics. Bench space at 4 °C and 20 °C as well as equipment, chemical stocks, and consumables for manual refinement are available.

We organize and coordinate regular synchrotron beamtime, manage all communication with synchrotron staff on behalf of our users, and take care of cryoshipping logistics using a reliable shipping company. Data collection at the synchrotron is either carried out fully automated, providing immediate access to autoprocessed data, or remote data collection setup is available upon request on our dedicated workstation.

Currently, we cannot provide computing infrastructure/service for data processing and cannot support solving crystal structures.

How we work

Besides offering complete services for some steps, the facility empowers users to master the entire workflow independently – from purified proteins to crystals and data acquisition – with training provided as needed for all experience levels.

The Crystallization Facility is hosted and managed by the Department of Molecular Biology.