The primary objective of this pilot project is to develop a drop-on-demand sample delivery method for serial crystallography experiments at EuXFEL and synchrotrons. The goal is to enhance the efficiency of these experiments by drastically reducing the amount of sample needed and at the same time adjust to high frequency data collection.

The expertise of the collaboration partners SURFACtoBioTech and European XFEL in piezo-driven droplet technology will be combined to explore droplet frequency limits, improve nozzle reproducibility and sample exchange. The project is structured in multiple phases:

• It begins with project initiation and planning, followed by the development and optimization of a droplet formation module.
• Initial protein crystallography trials will compare the new droplet-based method with conventional techniques. A high-throughput screening system will be developed to accelerate the optimization process.
• Insights from planned serial X-ray crystallography experiments will then guide the further refinement of the droplet formation modules in subsequent phases.
• The project will culminate in validation studies with challenging protein targets and comprehensive data analysis.

Key milestones include developing a novel injection nozzle, optimising fluidic systems and implementing high-throughput screening. The project emphasises continuous improvement through the iterative testing and refinement of the droplet formation modules. The ultimate goal is to demonstrate the effectiveness of the new droplet-based approach in improving serial X-ray crystallography quality and enable screening experiment as well as the study of protein samples available only in restricted amounts.

For further information about this HALRIC pilot project, please contact:

 

Katerina Dörner
European XFEL
katerina.doerner@xfel.eu