Approach of Serial Crystallography

Ki Hyun Nam

doi:10.3390/cryst10100854

Abstract

Radiation damage and cryogenic sample environment are an experimental limitation observed in the traditional X-ray crystallography technique. However, the serial crystallography (SX) technique not only helps to determine structures at room temperature with minimal radiation damage, but it is also a useful tool for profound understanding of macromolecules. Moreover, it is a new tool for time-resolved studies. Over the past 10 years, various sample delivery techniques and data collection strategies have been developed in the SX field. It also has a wide range of applications in instruments ranging from the X-ray free electron laser (XFEL) facility to synchrotrons. The importance of the various approaches in terms of the experimental techniques and a brief review of the research carried out in the field of SX has been highlighted in this editorial.

Highlights

Radiation damage and cryogenic sample environment are an experimental limitation observed in the traditional X-ray crystallography technique
Cryocrystallographic methods have been widely used during diffraction data collection in studies related to macromolecule crystallography [15,16]
Cryogenic data collection reduces the rate of radiation damage and extends the life of the crystal when exposed to X-rays [17]

Summary

Introduction

Radiation damage and cryogenic sample environment are an experimental limitation observed in the traditional X-ray crystallography technique. Data collection process using the conventional X-ray crystallography technique with a single crystal has technical limitations, such as radiation damage and maintenance of a cryogenic environment [6]. X-ray diffraction data collection performed at room temperature causes K-shell photo-ionization and Auger decay of the macromolecule [7,8].

Results

Conclusion