Lab Protein structure determination by X-ray crystallography has profoundly advanced our current understanding of protein function and mechanism of action. Obtaining protein crystals of sufficient quality for X-ray diffraction, however, is often a long and tedious process involving a vast amount of pipetting. This workflow is a perfect candidate for automation, and using an OT-2 means that any size lab can automate protein crystallization.

This webinar will provide you with an overview of the Opentrons Protein Crystallization Screen Tool, a customizable protocol for automating preparation of screening solutions in 24, 48 and 96-well deep well plates. Developed with OT-2 user input, this protocol includes specifications for up to 8 different reagents, along with settings for pipetting viscous and volatile liquids and mixing the well contents. Considerations for automating crystallization setups on the OT-2 using sitting drop vapor diffusion will be discussed, and crystallization of lysozyme (a favorite for teaching purposes!) will be demonstrated.

This 40-minute webinar provides useful tips to:

• Automate protein crystallization screen prep
• Easily set up sitting drop crystallization trays
• Increase the accuracy and precision of screen formulation and sitting drop setups

Janeen Vanhooke, Ph.D.

Applications Consulting Engineer, Opentrons

Janeen received her Ph.D. in Biochemistry from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, and for many years she utilized macromolecular crystallography as a tool to understand protein structure, function, and mechanism. Janeen joined Opentrons in 2021 after working as a Field Applications Scientist for LI-COR Biosciences and Beckman Coulter. 

Mike Asham

Director of Applications Sciences and Solutions, Opentrons

Mike joined Opentrons in 2021 as the Director of Applications Sciences & Solutions. He has a diverse automation background with over 10+ years in the field using a variety of high throughput platforms and research experience specializing in Genomics & Molecular
Oncology.

Originally aired 12/08/21