Using image analysis for automated crystal positioning in a synchrotron X-ray beam for high-throughput macromolecular crystallography

A fully automated method for detecting and centring protein crystals for X-ray crystallography is described. It relies on the analysis of rotating crystal trace images. No assumption is made concerning the shape, absolute size, or position of the crystal within its holder. Crystals as small as 15 µm were successfully positioned. This represents an important step towards high-throughput structural studies.