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Experiment

Last Updated: March 30, 2007

Protein Crystallization Research Facility (PCRF)

Peltier elements provide temperature profiles suitable for target proteins. Monitoring with CCD camera is possible.

The PCRF has six cell cartridges. Since each cell cartridge has a motor drive and Peltier elements, activation and termination timing as well as temperature profiles can be freely designed. An experimental profile appropriate for each protein can be established. A CCD camera enables real-time monitoring of crystal growth.

crystals grown in space

crystals grown on the ground

monitoring image of CCD camera

Cell Cartridge

Six cartridges
10 to 16 wells per cartridge
10 to 500 µl per well

Harvesting Methods

Vapor Diffusion
Batch
Membrane
Liquid-liquid Diffusion

Temperature Control

0 to 35 deg .C

Electric Interfaces (per cartridge)

Thermistors (2)
Thermo module (1)
Motor (1)
Photo Sensor (1)

Basic Specification

PCRF
Item		Specification
Cell Cartridge	Number of wells	10 to 16 well / Cell Cartridge
	Volume of solution	10 to 500 µl
	Temperature control	0 to 35 deg .C (each cartridge is independently controlled)
	Harvesting method	a) Vapor Diffusion. b) Batch. c) Membrane. d) Liquid-liquid Diffusion.
Observation system	Camera	1/2 CCD camera
	Light source	LED
	Resolution	More than 40 μm

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