Dynamically controlled crystallization method and apparatus and crystals obtained thereby

An apparatus for crystallizing proteins comprising:

• at least one crystallization chamber configured to contain a protein in a salt solution for crystallization of the protein;
• at least a first solution chamber and a second solution chamber, said first and second solution chambers being configured to contain respective salt solutions;
• first communicating means for communicating said first solution chamber with said crystallization chamber;
• second communicating means for communicating said second solution chamber with said crystallization chamber;
• first transfer means for selectively transferring salt solution between said first solution chamber and said crystallization chamber;
• second transfer means for selectively transferring salt solution between said second solution chamber and said crystallization chamber;
• interlocking means for interlocking said first transfer means and said second transfer means to cause said first transfer means and said second transfer means to reversibly transfer equal volumes of salt solution into and out of said crystallization chamber.