Buy article online - an online subscription or single-article purchase is required to access this article.
Download citation
Download citation
link to html
A new micro-agent is proposed to assist in automated protein crystal harvesting. The microrobot, named the RodBot, is a wireless mobile device driven by rotating magnetic fields (field strength 5-10 mT). When the RodBot rolls on a substrate in a low Reynolds number liquid environment, it generates flows to lift up and trap crystals in a vortex above itself. The gentle fluidic force acting on the crystals is in the range of a few nanonewtons to tens of nanonewtons and is spread over the whole surface of the crystal. The RodBot is capable of trapping protein crystals ranging from a few micrometres to sub-millimetre size. The trapped crystal can be transported to and deposited onto a loop positioned to accept it, obviating the need for more complicated `fishing' systems dependent on particular motions of the loop, the presence of further manipulators or the use of mechanical grippers. The RodBot can be driven in 24- and 96-well plates or in a crystal soaking dish, making the system compatible with existing crystallization hardware.

Supporting information

mpg

Moving Picture Experts Group (MPG) video file https://doi.org/10.1107/S1600576714004403/fs5060sup1.mpg
S1: the trapping and transport of a lysozyme crystal by the RodBot

mpg

Moving Picture Experts Group (MPG) video file https://doi.org/10.1107/S1600576714004403/fs5060sup2.mpg
S2: crystal harvesting assisted by the RodBot


Subscribe to Journal of Applied Crystallography

The full text of this article is available to subscribers to the journal.

If you have already registered and are using a computer listed in your registration details, please email support@iucr.org for assistance.

Buy online

You may purchase this article in PDF and/or HTML formats. For purchasers in the European Community who do not have a VAT number, VAT will be added at the local rate. Payments to the IUCr are handled by WorldPay, who will accept payment by credit card in several currencies. To purchase the article, please complete the form below (fields marked * are required), and then click on `Continue'.
E-mail address* 
Repeat e-mail address* 
(for error checking) 

Format*   PDF (US $40)
   HTML (US $40)
   PDF+HTML (US $50)
In order for VAT to be shown for your country javascript needs to be enabled.

VAT number 
(non-UK EC countries only) 
Country* 
 

Terms and conditions of use
Contact us

Follow J. Appl. Cryst.
Sign up for e-alerts
Follow J. Appl. Cryst. on Twitter
Follow us on facebook
Sign up for RSS feeds