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SPINE high-throughput crystallization, crystal imaging and recognition techniques: current state, performance analysis, new technologies and future aspects

Acta Cryst. (2006). D62, 1137–1149 [doi.org/10.1107/S090744490602943X]

[Nanoliter crystallization trial]An image of a crystal from a nanoliter crystallization trial in a development version of the PIMS crystallization management system. Figure courtesy of Dr. J.M. Diprose (unpublished work).
An outstanding outcome of the EU funded project SPINE (Structural Proteomics In Europe) is the establishment and advancement of high-throughput nanoliter crystallization, crystal imaging and recognition techniques in the partner laboratories of the consortium. The uptake, use and experience of the new technologies by SPINE partners across Europe have been surveyed and a picture emerges of highly successful adoption of novel working methods revolutionizing this area of structural biology. In general, the introduction of automation and miniaturization into crystallization workflows has resulted in the growth of a greater number of high-quality crystals for a wider variety of proteins.
I. M. Berry, O. Dym, R. M. Esnouf, K. Harlos, R. Meged, A. Perrakis, J. L. Sussman, T. S. Walter, J. Wilson and A. Messerschmidt
13 August 2008