I'm currently trying to improve on a crystallization condition, for which
crystals form very quickly (within 10 to 20 minutes).
No precipitant is required. X-ray diffraction has confirmed that these
are protein crystals.
The big problem I have is that the crystals have a tendency to come out
as clusters with long needles or long narrow plates (somewhat thin) that
radiate out from some common origins of growth/nucleation.
Occasionally, there would be single plate crystals that are larger and
thicker.
Does anyone have any suggestions about reducing the tendency for these
kinds of clusters to form?
I have tried all of Hampton's additive and detergent screens,
crystallization in agarose gel, increasing viscosity with carbohydrate or
glycerol, playing with pH, temperature, protein concentration, salt
concentration and buffer concentration.
Thanks in advance!
Dan
dan at crystal.biochem.queensu.ca
