Let’s Dive into Axygen AxyGem 96-Well Sitting-Drop Crystallography Plate, Axygen Scientific CPAXYGEM96
The Axygen AxyGem 96-Well Sitting-Drop Crystallography Plate, Axygen Scientific CPAXYGEM96 from Axygen Scientific represents a critical piece of equipment for high-throughput protein crystallization. This plate boasts a 96-well format, catering to the needs of researchers seeking efficient and reliable crystal growth for structural determination. Its optically clear polystyrene construction, combined with carefully designed well geometry, makes it a compelling option for any crystallography lab.
My journey with protein crystallography began during my postgraduate research, where I struggled with inconsistent crystal formation using less sophisticated plates. I was searching for a solution that would increase throughput and reduce the variability I was experiencing. This pursuit led me to the Axygen AxyGem plate.
Upon unboxing, the precision and clarity of the Axygen AxyGem plate were immediately evident. The polystyrene felt robust yet optically clear, promising excellent visualization of crystals. The individual wells were uniformly shaped, indicating a high level of manufacturing quality.
I’d previously experimented with homemade crystallization setups and competitor plates from Hampton Research and Greiner Bio-One. The Axygen plate stood out due to its optimized well design and compatibility with automated liquid handling systems, something the homemade setups certainly couldn’t offer and the other plates didn’t fully optimize. My initial impression was one of excitement; I felt like I’d finally found a tool that could streamline my crystallization experiments and improve my success rate.
Real-World Testing: Putting Axygen AxyGem 96-Well Sitting-Drop Crystallography Plate, Axygen Scientific CPAXYGEM96 to the Test
First Use Experience
My first use of the Axygen AxyGem plate involved screening a difficult-to-crystallize membrane protein. I utilized a robotic liquid handler to dispense the protein and precipitant solutions into the respective wells. The automated system interfaced seamlessly with the SBS standard format of the plate.
The plate performed admirably across varying humidity conditions within the crystallization incubator. The plate’s material held up to the rigors of being handled by the robot. There was a slight learning curve associated with optimizing drop volumes for different proteins, but this was expected.
My main surprise was how much easier it was to visualize crystal formation, thanks to the plate’s clarity and well design.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of continuous use, the Axygen AxyGem plate has proven to be remarkably reliable. I’ve used it extensively for various proteins, and the results have been consistent. The plates show minimal signs of wear and tear, even after repeated handling and incubation.
Cleaning the plate is straightforward, typically involving a simple wash with distilled water and ethanol. The plate has performed exceptionally well compared to my previous experiences with less durable plates, exhibiting greater resilience and consistently delivering reliable crystallization results.
Breaking Down the Features of Axygen AxyGem 96-Well Sitting-Drop Crystallography Plate, Axygen Scientific CPAXYGEM96
Specifications
- 96-Well Format: This high-throughput design allows for the simultaneous screening of 96 different crystallization conditions. This drastically accelerates the optimization process.
- Sitting-Drop Method: Employs the sitting-drop vapor diffusion technique, a widely used and effective method for protein crystallization. It’s a proven method, increasing the chances of success.
- D-Shaped Buffer Wells: Each buffer well has a maximum volume of 250µL. This provides sufficient reservoir volume for extended equilibration periods.
- Elevated Protein Wells: Each protein well has a maximum volume of 4.3µL. This small volume allows for efficient protein usage and optimal drop formation.
- Round Protein Well Shape: The round shape facilitates easy loop access for crystal manipulation. Cryosoaking and rinsing become significantly less cumbersome.
- Optically Clear Polystyrene Construction: The plate is made of optically clear polystyrene. This enables precise visualization and characterization of crystal growth.
- SBS Standard Footprint: Complies with the SBS (Society for Biomolecular Screening) standard. Ensures compatibility with automated liquid handling systems.
- Stackable Design: Allows for efficient storage and handling within incubators. Maximize incubator space utilization.
- Organic Solvent Resistance: Resistant to organic solvents. Expanded range of compatible crystallization conditions.
- Reduced Polarization: Minimizes interference during polarized light microscopy. Enhanced crystal detection and characterization.
- Bar Coding Capability: Can be bar-coded for easy sample tracking. Streamlines sample management and data correlation.
These specifications are crucial because they address the key challenges in protein crystallization, such as maximizing throughput, optimizing crystal quality, and ensuring compatibility with automation. The design choices made by Axygen Scientific directly impact the efficiency and success of crystallization experiments.
Performance & Functionality
The Axygen AxyGem plate excels in its primary function: promoting protein crystal growth. The well design facilitates optimal vapor diffusion, leading to well-formed crystals. Its ease of use, robustness and robotic compatibility all contribute to its overall effectiveness.
While optimizing drop volumes can require some initial experimentation, the plate consistently delivers reliable results once optimized. It meets and often exceeds expectations, particularly in high-throughput screening scenarios.
Design & Ergonomics
The plate’s design is well-thought-out, with a focus on practicality and ease of use. The polystyrene construction feels solid and durable, while the clear material allows for excellent visual clarity. The SBS standard footprint ensures seamless integration with automated systems, saving time and reducing errors.
There’s minimal learning curve, even for researchers new to high-throughput crystallization. The stackable design is a huge plus, maximizing valuable incubator space.
Durability & Maintenance
Based on my experience, the Axygen AxyGem plate is built to last. The polystyrene material is resistant to cracking and warping, even after repeated use. Cleaning is a breeze, requiring only a gentle wash with standard laboratory detergents and solvents.
With proper care, this plate should provide years of reliable service, making it a worthwhile investment.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Axygen AxyGem plate doesn’t come with specific accessories, as it’s designed to integrate seamlessly with existing crystallization workflows. Its SBS standard footprint ensures compatibility with a wide range of automated liquid handling systems and imaging platforms. While customization options are limited, the plate’s design is already optimized for high-throughput screening and crystal manipulation.
Pros and Cons of Axygen AxyGem 96-Well Sitting-Drop Crystallography Plate, Axygen Scientific CPAXYGEM96
Pros
- High Throughput: The 96-well format allows for the rapid screening of crystallization conditions.
- Excellent Optical Clarity: The polystyrene construction enables clear visualization of crystals.
- SBS Standard Compatibility: Ensures seamless integration with automated liquid handling systems.
- Easy Crystal Manipulation: The round well shape facilitates easy loop access for cryosoaking and rinsing.
- Reliable Performance: Consistently delivers robust and reproducible crystallization results.
Cons
- Price: The initial investment is relatively high compared to lower-throughput options.
- Fixed Design: Limited customization options beyond standard crystallization protocols.
Who Should Buy Axygen AxyGem 96-Well Sitting-Drop Crystallography Plate, Axygen Scientific CPAXYGEM96?
The Axygen AxyGem 96-Well Sitting-Drop Crystallography Plate, Axygen Scientific CPAXYGEM96 is perfect for structural biologists, biochemists, and pharmaceutical researchers involved in high-throughput protein crystallization. This is ideal for those working on drug discovery, protein engineering, or basic research.
Those with limited budgets or who only require occasional crystallization experiments might find lower-throughput options more suitable. Also, for those requiring specialized plate formats beyond the standard sitting-drop method, this might not be the best fit.
A must-have is a high-quality automated liquid handling system to fully leverage the plate’s high-throughput capabilities.
Conclusion on Axygen AxyGem 96-Well Sitting-Drop Crystallography Plate, Axygen Scientific CPAXYGEM96
Overall, the Axygen AxyGem 96-Well Sitting-Drop Crystallography Plate, Axygen Scientific CPAXYGEM96 is a top-tier product that delivers exceptional performance and reliability. While the price may seem steep, the increased throughput, ease of use, and consistent results justify the investment for labs engaged in serious protein crystallography work.
I would wholeheartedly recommend this plate to anyone seeking to streamline their crystallization experiments and improve their chances of success. If you’re ready to take your protein crystallization to the next level, the Axygen AxyGem plate is a game-changer. It’s time to invest in your research and unlock the secrets hidden within protein structures!