Long-term studies on tetragonal lysozyme crystals grown in quiescent and forced convection environments

Abstract

The growth of tetragonal hen lysozyme crystals in the size range 150-300 μm was studied using digital microscopy; the size and orientation of the growing crystals were estimated from the geometry of the ideal tetragonal lysozyme crystal. At a confidence level above 99%, statistical analyses indicate the (110) face growth rates of crystals grown in quiescent conditions are not inhibited by weak buoyancy-driven natural convection. Yet similar analyses of crystals subjected to a weak forced flow of the same magnitude indicate a statistically significant decrease in growth rate with time. This apparent paradox probably results from mass transport limitations within the crystal growth cell. Mathematical models of fluid mixing inside the growth chamber suggest that crystal growth is limited by the rate at which protein molecules are transported to crystals growing on the walls of the chamber. Our experiments also reveal a large variation in the growth rates of crystals within a nominally homogeneous population. The local environment of the crystal may account for some of the variation, but the mechanisms are not understood.