Rapid and Miniaturized Robotic Crystallization Experiment using the Honeybee 963™ System

Abstract

An important consideration in protein crystallization screening is the limited availability of protein which makes the miniaturization of these experiments a necessity. Considerations such as dispense speed, protein concentration, protein/screening agent drop ratios, evaporation, etc. all need to be carefully analyzed when designing the crystallization experiment.

The Honeybee 963™ enables rapid, precise and accurate dispensing of nanoliter (nl) volumes of screening and protein solutions. Strategies for experimental design will be discussed within the framework of the dispensing technologies that are utilized in the Honeybee 963.

The ability to dispense up to three different proteins and/or protein concentrations coupled with the 96 tip dispensing head for screening solutions ensures evaporation is kept to a minimum and that protein usage is conserved.