Protein temperature evaporation-controlled crystallization device and method thereof
AssigneeCanadian Space Agency
InventorRobert Redden
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A temperature- and evaporation-controlled device for the crystallization of proteins from a protein-containing solution. The device comprises a compartment, such as a microcapillary tube, for holding the solution from which crystals are formed. The compartment is in communication with a cold generating unit, such as a cold finger, that maintains a temperature lower than the temperature of the compartment thereby causing de-watering of the solution. A vacuum pump can be attached to the device to reduce vapor pressure to further promote de-watering of the solution. The device can be used terrestrially or in a microgravity environment, such as in outer space, for formation of high quality protein crystals.
Claims15
A device for protein crystallization comprising:
- a) a compartment for the placement of a protein-containing solution;
- and
- b) a cold generating unit spaced apart from and in closed fluid communication with the compartment, the cold generating unit maintaining a temperature lower than the temperature of the compartment.
A device for protein crystallization comprising:
- an open vessel for placement of a protein-containing solution;
- a vacuum tube for placement of the open vessel therein;
- a vacuum pump and vacuum gage for creating and monitoring vacuum pressure within the vacuum tube;
- sealing means forming a seal between the open vessel and the vacuum pump;
- and
- a cold generating unit spaced apart from and in closed fluid communication with the open vessel, the cold generating unit maintaining a temperature lower than the temperature of the open vessel.
A method for forming protein crystals comprising the steps of:
- a) providing a protein-containing solution in a compartment adapted for the placement of a protein-containing solution;
- b) creating a region of reduced temperature spaced apart from and in closed fluid communication with the compartment;
- and
- c) drawing water vapor out of the protein-containing solution by allowing vapor flow out of the compartment toward the region of reduced temperature until a protein crystal is formed in the compartment.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.