High-throughput crystallographic screening device and method for crystalizing membrane proteins using a sub physiological resting membrane potential across a lipid matrix of variable composition

A system for membrane protein crystallization comprising:

• a sample unit having:
• a sample holding layer having a plurality of holding wells, wherein each holding well comprises a pair of electrodes, and
• a lid layer provided over said plurality of holding wells to seal the contents of said plurality of holding wells from each other;
• a variable direct current potential source electrically coupled to the pair of electrodes of each holding well;
• wherein the variable potential source is configured to alter the intensity of a potential field generated between the pair of electrodes of each holding well.

A system for membrane protein crystallization comprising:

• a sample unit having:
• a sample holding layer having a plurality of holding wells, wherein each holding well comprises a pair of electrodes, and
• a lid layer provided over said plurality of holding wells to seal the contents of said plurality of holding wells from each other;
• a variable direct current potential source electrically coupled to the pair of electrodes of each holding well;
• wherein the variable potential source is configured to alter the intensity of a potential field generated between the pair of electrodes of each holding well more than one hour after the first variation in the potential field.