New developments in protein-crystallization platforms and barcoding for cryogenic storage

1. Protein crystallization: a complete family of products

In CrystalQuick™, Greiner Bio-One has a complete new family of 96 protein-crystallization well plates for high-throughput screening, which are suitable for a number of screening strategies. This new development is the result of co-operation with the Max-Planck-Institut for Molecular Genetics, the Protein-Strukturfabrik (Protein Structure Factory) in Berlin and the Genomics Institute of the Novartis Research Foundation, San Diego, USA. CrystalQuick™ plates are for determining optimum crystallization conditions at reduced cost followed by three-dimensional structural identification. These are the same size as the classical microplate and are available in the standard height with either flat or round bottom, as well as in the lower version with flat bottom. In their standard height with flat or round base, each of the 96 reservoirs corresponds to three crystallization cups, which means that for each plate, there are 288 possibilities for crystallization. The low version with the flat bottom is suitable for direct harvesting of the crystals. The compatible CrystalDrop™ lid is intended for sitting-drop and hanging-drop applications. The IMP@CT™ plate was developed for microbatch applications and permits handling of very small quantities of specimens under optimum microscopic conditions. The series is rounded off by the ComboPlate™, a 24-well plate combining sitting-drop and hanging-drop applications.

2. Sample management: Cryo.s with barcode

In line with the trend towards clear identification, storage and administration of samples in laboratories, Greiner Bio-One's program now includes barcoded deep-freeze vials called Cryo.s. The tubes are marked with a scratchproof and solvent-resistant barcode which represents a decisive improvement in the identification and storage of specimens. Handwritten markings, often illegible or incorrect, are now a thing of the past, as is the search for samples in the nitrogen tank or freezer. Greiner Bio-One offers its software package ProbeFinder™ and hand scanner FuzzyScan specially for the administration and management of barcode-labelled samples. In this way, samples can be identified quickly and accurately and administered with maximum efficiency. Besides this, ProbeFinder™ also provides information on samples arranged according to certain criteria, and allows its export in Excel or printout in selected lists. The program is suitable for network use and has access control for protection of laboratory data.