Overview
The multi-user macromolecular x-ray crystallography facility (XRF) at the Kasha Laboratory Building (KLB) in the Institute of Molecular Biophysics (IMB) provides the instrument, services, and expertise for collecting and processing x-ray diffraction data from macromolecular single crystals. It is one of the Core Facilities available to all the members of FSU. XRF is located on the east side of the fourth floor of KLB. IMB X-Ray Facility also coordinates additional data collection at the National Synchrotron Light Source II at the Brookhaven National Laboratory, NY.
Recognition of Core Facility and Core Director Contributions
IMB Core Research Facilities are an integral part of research conducted in the Institute and the resulting publications. However, because the Facility personnel are not part of the individual lab groups, and much of their work is either behind the scenes or early in a given project, it is easy to forget to give proper attribution for their contribution to the research. An acknowledgement is appropriate when a Facility and/or its Director is used for routine data collection, sample preparation, general advice, etc. When the Facility Director is involved at the level of method development, data analysis and interpretation, or other significant contribution to the project, (s)he should be included as a coauthor of the publication. Use X-Ray Facility’s RRID: SCR_017922.
Instruments and Accessories
ARI Crystal Gryphon at FSU
XRF is equipped with an Art Robbins Instruments Crystal Gryphon for protein crystallization set-up. It has been providing protein crystal screening service (PCSS) for batch screening of 96 individual crystallization screen conditions (selected either by the user or the Facility) for a target protein at room temperature. The screens can then be imaged using Rock Imager 1 and and analyzed using Rock Maker software at set times, scored and the results summarized for the user.
- YouTube Videos of Crystal Gryphon in action:
Rock Imager 01 at FSU
XRF has Rock Imager 01 manufactured by Formulatrix that is compatible with SBS, 96-well (ARI), and Linbro plates. Rock Imager allows the automated imaging of plates and works with Rock Maker software. Rock Imager 01 has a single light path and has both visible and ultra-violet (UV) light capabilities. It has bar code scanner so plates created using Rock Maker and Formulator 16 can be read and either manually or automatically imaged at regular intervals.
Formulator 16 @ FSU
We have also added Formulator 16 manufactured by Formulatrix which allows custom screen building and dispenses the screens using microfluidic technology. It can support 15+1 (water) ingredients and has a 96 nozzle dispensing the drops. Very low volumes of 200 nL to high volumes in few mL are achievable.
We have several vibration-free incubators suitable for growing and storing macromolecular crystals. The incubators are maintained at different temperatures. In addition, we have dedicated cold room for crystal manipulation and mounting.
Updated: Mar 19, 2024 by TS.