PolyPico Tech Reduces Sample Use Tenfold in Serial Crystallography

PolyPico Technologies has made a significant impact in the field of structural biology by dramatically reducing sample consumption in serial crystallography experiments. Utilizing their advanced acoustic drop ejection (ADE) system, researchers have achieved over a tenfold decrease in the amount of crystal slurry required for fixed-target serial crystallography, all without compromising data quality.

The Challenge: High Sample Demand in Serial Crystallography

Serial crystallography, particularly at X-ray free-electron lasers (XFELs) and synchrotron facilities, necessitates the delivery of numerous microcrystals to the X-ray beam. Traditional methods, such as liquid jets, often result in substantial sample waste, posing challenges when working with scarce or difficult-to-produce proteins.

The Solution: Acoustic Drop Ejection with PolyPico

In a collaborative study involving researchers from Diamond Light Source and PolyPico Technologies, an innovative approach was developed using PolyPico’s ADE system to load crystal slurries onto fixed-target chips. This method allows for the precise deposition of picoliter-sized droplets, significantly reducing sample usage.

Key advantages of this technique include:

• Minimal Sample Consumption: Less than 4 µL of crystal slurry is needed to load a chip containing 25,600 apertures.

• High Throughput: The system can load a full chip in under four minutes, enhancing experimental efficiency.

• Improved Data Collection: The precise droplet placement increases the likelihood of obtaining high-quality diffraction data from a larger proportion of crystals.

This advancement not only conserves valuable samples but also streamlines the workflow for serial crystallography experiments, making it more accessible for studies involving limited or precious proteins.

For a detailed account of this research, refer to the publication in the Journal of Synchrotron Radiation: .

PolyPico’s contribution exemplifies how innovative dispensing technologies can address critical challenges in scientific research, paving the way for more sustainable and efficient methodologies in structural biology.