SpectroQ
is a highly sophisticated and advanced combined imaging and dynamic light scattering (DLS) plate hotel system. The fully automated DLS capability extends the application range of the system far beyond state-of-the-art imaging systems. Typically, hotel systems are dedicated imagers and can only be used for imaging purposes, mainly for the detection and identification of protein crystals. In contrast, SpectroQ enables in plate DLS analysis in combination with the fully automated hotel, opening up a new field of application for hotel systems in general. It can therefore be used for a wide range of applications, including sample analysis during preparation and quality assessment. These capabilities therefore not only provide a more convenient workflow in the final step of crystal imaging, but also offer new and advanced analytical possibilities.
Automated Plate Imaging
The SpectroQ combines the storage and processing of samples in standard crystallisation plates under temperature controlled conditions. Plate processing comprises two main 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