Automated crystal mounting system for protein crystallography

The European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL) Hamburg Outstation is located on the campus of the Deutsche Elektronen Synchroton (DESY) where the high-ernergy synchroton radiation is used to perform various experiments in the field of structural biology. The EMBL has designed and currently operates seven synchrotron beam lines five of which for protein crystallography. This technique represents the most powerful tool to determine the three-dimensional structure of biological macromolecules to atomic resolution. In order to reduce set-up times, an automated system for handling and mounting of the crystal has been developed by Fraunhofer IPA.