Solution scattering and scanning based imaging at the life sciences X-ray scattering beamline (LiX).

Abstract

Small-angle X-ray scattering allows one to obtain information on nanoscale particle size and structure. The method is popular in the biological and soft matter scientific communities and has been widely used at synchrotron radiation sources worldwide. This article presents current status of multipurpose small-angle scattering beamline for life sciences (LiX) at NSLS-II. The beamline has dedicated experimental setup and controls for high throughput solution scattering and raster scanning based imaging technique. In-house automation combined with six-axis robot allows efficient solution sample transfer, loading, rinsing and cleaning, the whole process spans around 1 minute per sample. Mail-in access allows user to collect the data and access it remotely concurrently through the JupyterHub. A loading dock can store 360 samples from multiple users, with QR codes that allows data collection and storage under proper user directory with correct access permissions. Users can send samples either in 96 well plate or in LIX sample holder format. In case of 96-well plates a liquid handling robot is used to transfer samples to LIX holders, additionally samples could be diluted or mixed right before the measurement. For scanning based imaging beam size can be focused down to few microns using two stage focusing scheme. Fly scanning allows for expediting data collection and mitigate any radiation damage. An In vacuum setup allows to reduce background scattering and improve signal to noise, especially vital for low scattering samples. Data processing functions are made available to users to further process data and construct structural maps.