Joint Research Group Macromolecular Crystallography

Equipment and Resources for X-ray Crystallography

Our lab is fully equipped with essential tools and consumables to prepare crystals for X-ray studies, ensuring a smooth and efficient workflow for researchers.

Figures 1 and 2, microscope and screen Leica MZ7.5

Figure 3, Leica M205A

Microscopy

We provide advanced microscopes for crystal mounting and manipulation:

🔬 Leica MZ7.5 Stereomicroscope

• Magnification range: 6.3x to 50x

• Working distance: up to 81 mm

• Equipped with an analog video module connected to a screen, enabling real-time crystal evaluation and collaborative screening of crystallization plates (Figures 1 and 2).

🔬 Leica M205A Stereomicroscope (Fully Automated)

• Digitally controlled zoom, focus, and iris diaphragm

• Motorized mechanical stage for precision adjustments

• Dual objectives:

  • 1.6x planapo (zoom range: 12.5x – 257x)

  • 0.8x apo (zoom range: 6.3x – 128x)

• DFC490 CCD Camera connected to a PC, with Leica Application Suite for image integration, measurements, and crystal documentation (Figure 3).

Figure 4, NT8 Pipetting Robot

Automated Drop Setting for Crystallization

The NT8 Drop Setter is a high-precision liquid handling system designed to streamline crystallization experiments. This nanoliter-volume drop setter offers:

• Fast and reproducible drop dispensing for hanging drop, sitting drop, and LCP experiments.

• Active humidification control to prevent evaporation and enhance experimental consistency.

Our well-equipped facility ensures that researchers have access to high-quality instruments and resources to optimize their crystallography experiments.

Figure 5, working station

Tools and Consumables

To support users, the lab provides:

• ✅ Pipettes
• ✅ Magnetic stirrer
• ✅ Mini table centrifuge
• ✅ Refrigerator
• ✅ Consumables (gloves, pipette tips, tissues, etc.)

(Figure 5)

Our well-equipped facility ensures that researchers have access to high-quality instruments and resources to optimize their crystallography experiments.

Figure 6, RUMED incubator

Incubators

Two RUMED cooled incubators maintain optimal conditions for crystal growth and storage:

• 20°C incubator

• 5°C incubator

(Figure 6)

Noble Gas Chamber

A dedicated noble gas chamber enables the production of xenon and krypton derivatives for crystallographic studies.

Short-Term Storage

For temporary sample storage:

• A CP35 liquid nitrogen-filled dewar is available upon request during beam time.

• Authorization from the local contact is required for any sample storage.