SpectroQ
is a highly sophisticated and trend-setting combined imaging and dynamic light scattering (DLS) plate hotel system. The fully automated DLS capability extends the application spectrum of the system far beyond the state-of-the-art imaging systems. Usually, hotel systems are dedicated imagers and can be used exclusively for imaging purposes, mainly for protein crystal finding and identification. In contrast, SpectroQ enables the very fundamental DLS analytics in combination with the fully automated hotel, providing a new application field for hotel systems in general. Because of that, it can be applied to a variety of applications including analysis of samples during preparation and quality evaluation. These capabilities are therefore not just providing a more comfortable workflow at the very last step of imaging crystals but provide new and highly advanced analytical possibilities.
Automated Plate Imaging
The SpectroQ combines storage and processing of samples in standard crystallization plates under temperature-controlled conditions. Plate processing comprises two major functions, imaging and dynamic light scattering (DLS).
Sizing and Long term Stability
Monodispersity, absolute size and stability are fundamental indicators of protein integrity.
Imaging and DLS
The combination of imaging and DLS both at the level of designated imaging and DLS systems is unique on the market.
Temperature controlled Plate Hotel
As a hotel system, SpectroQ provides an all-over constant temperature environment for a plate, be it processing, handling, or storage.
Applications (PDF files)
– Automated Imaging
– Automated Repetitive DLS
– Protein Buffer Screening
– Long Term Stability
REFERENCES
Karsten Dierks, Arne Meyer, Howard Einspahr and Christian Betzel
Dynamic Light Scattering in Protein Crystallization Droplets: Adaptations for Analysis and Optimization of Crystallization Processes, Cryst. Growth Des., 2008, 8 (5), pp 1628–1634
Dominik Oberthuer, Emilio Melero-García, Karsten Dierks, Arne Meyer, Christian Betzel, Alfonso Garcia-Caballero and Jose A. Gavira
Monitoring and Scoring Counter-Diffusion Protein Crystallization Experiments in Capillaries by in situ Dynamic Light Scattering,
PLoS ONE 7(6): e33545. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0033545
Arne Meyer, Karsten Dierks, Rana Hussein, Karl Brillet, Hevila Brognaro, and Christian Betzel
Systematic analysis of protein-detergent complexes applying dynamic light scattering to optimize solutions for crystallization trials,
Acta Crystallogr F Struct Biol Commun. 2015 Jan 1; 71(Pt 1): 75–81