Proprietary Crystallization Screening

The Crystallization Center has worked with industrial users since the Center began operations more than 20 years ago. Samples are screened against 1,536 different crystallization conditions. For the soluble screen, the assay includes an incomplete factorial based PEG/Salt/Buffer screen (688 cocktails) and chemically complementary screens purchased from Hampton Research which includes: Crystal Screen HT, Index, PEGRx HT, SaltRx HT, PEG/Ion HT, Slice pH, Ionic liquid, Polymer Screen, Silver-bullets, and others (848 cocktails). The membrane screen, samples regions of detergent phase space particularly relevant to crystallization (1344 cocktails) with the Hampton Research PEGRx screen (96 cocktails), and the Molecular Dimensions MemGold screen (96 cocktails). Typically the experimental error for delivery of cocktails and/or protein is < 5% (most often the error is < 1%) and we use control experiments to rapidly identify and address any issues that arise.

Sample requirement: Currently, we require 500 μL of protein sample in a labeled 1.5 ml microcentrifuge tube. We recommend that you send only high purity, non-aggregated, stable samples including all chemicals required for stability. To ensure that the crystallization conditions dominate use low (<25mM) buffer concentration. Avoid phosphate buffer (which forms insoluble salts). A recommended concentration is 10 mg/ml where solubility permits but both lower and significantly higher concentrations have proved successful. We do not recommend lyophilizing your protein.

Proprietary research studies are kept confidential. Information will not be publicly disclosed without the express written consent of the client.

Our philosophy is to provide capabilities at the highest standards for quality, reliability, efficiency, and productivity while providing confidentiality and expert support for challenging experiments. We want you to be successful and help that by providing cost-effective access to world-class research capabilities and maintaining competitiveness. We understand industry needs and can provide a platform of services offering solutions.

To make use of the Crystallization Center

1. Contact us first.

The preferred route is to contact our industrial liaison, Dr. Rory Curtis, Vice President of Business Development by email at rcurtis@hwi.buffalo.edu to arrange an initial consultation. We aim to be responsive to your needs and project flow. Quotes can also be requested via Science Exchange and Scientist.com for users that prefer that route.

Crystallization screening is run with monthly deadlines and dates. The current deadlines and dates are displayed on this page. We can provide future dates in advance and will work with you and your deadlines subject to our operational schedule.

For proprietary research, we will coordinate closely with you through the sample shipping and screening process.

2. Provide sample information

We will be in touch to gather information regarding the sample (unique sample names for each sample submitted, as well as desired incubation temperature).

For proprietary samples, we do not require sample identity details.

3. Ship your sample

Samples should be shipped in a clearly labeled 1.5 mL tube places inside of a protective container. Ensure the tube is sealed and protected against any potential leaks. An insulated Styrofoam shipping container is recommended with dry ice for frozen samples or gel packs to maintain 4°C or 23°C sample temperature.

We recommend shipping overnight Monday – Wednesday to reduce risk of a weekend delivery delay.

Deadlines and Dates

Updated 9/28/2021

The HWI National Crystallization Center is active and able to support your scientific efforts, both on COVID-19 related projects and the crystallization of other targets. We are in the final week of the September soluble screen. In October we will have an extended soluble run, and are planning ahead for the November run. Stay tuned for the next membrane run, as well.

October 2021 Soluble

Reservation Deadline: Mon October 11th
Package Acceptance: Wed October 13th to Thurs October 28th
Plate Setup:
- Wed October 13th – Thurs October 14th
- Mon October 18th – Thurs October 21st
- Mon October 25th – Thurs October 28th

November 2021 Soluble

Reservation Deadline: Fri November 5th
Package Acceptance: Tues November 9th to Thurs November 18th
Plate Setup:
- Tues November 9th – Thurs November 11th
- Mon November 15th – Thurs November 18th

Note: Samples are not set up on Fridays.

Shipping address:

High-Throughput Crystallization Screening Center
Hauptman-Woodward Medical Research Institute
700 Ellicott Street
Buffalo, NY 14203-1102, USA
p: +1 716-898-8649

What you get:

1,536 microbatch-under-oil crystallization screening experiments set up with your sample.
Email notification and access to brightfield images of your experimental outcomes as they are recorded:

cocktail only prior to adding sample (control)
day 1
weeks 1, 2, 3, 4 & 6

Email notification and access to images from a Formulatrix Rock Imager 1000 SHG (to identify chiral crystals) and UV-TPEF (to determine if crystals are biological).

These images are taken either at ~4 weeks (23°C samples) or ~6 weeks (4°C or 14°C samples) – you choose the protocol.
Actual read time may vary slightly and is dependent upon the availability of the system.

There are a total of nine sets of images recorded over the 6 week experimental time period.
MacroScopeJ software (Java-based, multi-platform) to view, annotate, and analyze images as well as associated chemical data.
Optional: A report on the crystallization results identifying potential crystallization lead conditions and observations based on the results.

Typically the experimental error for delivery of cocktails and/or protein is < 5% (most often the error is < 1%) and we use control experiments to rapidly identify and address any issues that arise.

Other information:

Physical samples: The crystallization plates have been used for in situ X-ray data collection with some success. We normally destroy plates shortly after screening but can return them to the client. Our studies show that crystals can remain stable during shipping, even overseas, but we cannot guarantee this. A small amount of sample is recovered as dead volume. This is normally destroyed but can be stored for follow-up experiments or returned to the client.

Special requirements: We can often accommodate special requirements and requests. If possible these should be discussed in advance with Dr. Curtis at rcurtis@hwi.buffalo.edu in consultation with the Crystallization Center team. We can also be responsive to needs during the crystallization process.