C-Kit GroundPro (XRD)

Cosmo Bio LTD

Catalog No: CFS-CRT101-1

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Background

C-Kit Ground Pro XRD is an equipment for protein crystallization for X-ray diffraction, developed from the know-how of crystallization experiments in the International Space Station (ISS) for decades. This kit provides experimental tools for two simple methods that do not require large-scale crystallization screening: the counter-diffusion method (CD method)1) and the diffusion-pair osmotic-concentration method (DPOC method)2). Both methods grow crystals based on the principle of auto-searching phenomenon for optimal crystallization conditions (so-called the self-searching mechanism)3). Newly developed DPOC method enables us to search for a wide range of crystallization conditions since the protein samples and crystallization solutions in the DPOC tube are osmotically concentrated due to the osmotic pressure difference between inside and outside of the DPOC tube. You can choose the better method according to the sample characteristics to grow high quality apo/complex-crystals by yourself. The CD method equipment included in the kit was jointly developed by Confocal Science Inc. under a commission from the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA)4), 5) . In addition, Confocal Science Inc. provides C-Kit Ground Pro ND for crystallization for neutron diffraction ( http://www.confsci.co.jp/product_e.html ), and C-Kit Space Pro Series for high quality crystallization under microgravity in the International Space Station (ISS)

Features

Small amount of protein sample is required: Standard amount is 8 µL (the CD method capillary) and 5 µL (the DPOC tube). Slow crystallization methods lead to high-quality crystals: Both the CD method and the DPOC method provide mild crystallization conditions by adjusting the concentrations of the protein sample and the crystallization reagent. Simple protocols: Both CD and DPOC protocols are easy to perform.

High reproducibility and reliability: Both methods are repeatedly used in space experiments conducted by the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) and Japan Manned Space Systems Corporation (JAMSS). Thus, their high reproducibility and reliability have been proven. In particular, the CD method has been applied to more than 500 protein crystallization under microgravity since 2002.

Easy soaking in the CD method: Soaking can be done simply by transferring the capillary containing crystals to a container filled with the solution for post soaking. Small amount of ligand in the DPOC method: ligands are pre-mixed with the protein solution loaded in the tube, so a small amount of ligand is enough for co-crystallization.

Long-term stability: The crystals produced with C-Kit Pro XRD are stable for a long period in the CD capillaries with gel tube and in the DPOC tubes. Estimation of optimal conditions: The time-dependent changes of concentrations of the protein and the crystallization reagents in the CD capillaries and the DPOC tubes can be estimated by a one-dimensional diffusion simulation program (purchase available as C-Kit Pro Advanced Tool (CRT209)). It helps to determine the optimal conditions for crystallization. Please refer to “4.2. Benefits for the CD method and the DPOC method” to understand which method is better for your experiments.