Method for rapidly obtaining crystals with desirable morphologies
AssigneeGenencor International, Inc.
InventorMeng H. Heng
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
The present invention provides a crystallization process wherein a starting temperature is selected such that a desirable crystal morphology (e.g., square) is obtained. A temperature shift is then introduced, providing that the shift is not enough to induce further nucleation, where the crystals continue to grow in the desirable fashion, but with different kinetics, e.g., a higher rate of crystallization. As a result, the process gives a crystalline product with desirable morphology at a higher crystallization rate.
Claims20
A method for the crystallization of protein comprising:
- (a) preparing an aqueous solution containing said protein;
- and
- (b) adding a salt to said aqueous solution to form a protein/salt solution;
- (c) placing the protein/salt solution at a temperature of between about 4° C. and 20° C.;
- (d) allowing crystal nuclei to form;
- (e) placing the solution of (d) at a temperature of between about 22° C. and 60° C. to allow faster crystallization to take place.
A method for the crystallization of an enzyme from a solution containing said enzyme, comprising:
- (a) placing the solution at a first temperature of no greater than about 22° C.;
- (b) allowing crystals having a desired morphology to form, while said solution is maintained at said first temperature;
- then
- (c) placing the solution of (b) at a second temperature, higher than said first temperature, such that the rate crystallization of crystals having said desired morphology is increased.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.