Use of a crystallization robot to set up sitting-drop vapor-diffusion crystallization and in situ crystallization screens

A commercial crystallization robot has been modified for use in setting up sitting-drop vapor-diffusion crystallization experiments, and for setting up protein crystallization screens in situ. The primary aim of this effort is the automated screening of crystallization of integral membrane proteins in detergent-containing solutions. However, the results of this work are of general utility to robotic liquid-handling systems. Sources of error that can prevent the accurate dispensing and mixing of solutions have been identified, and include local environmental, machine-specific and solution conditions. Solutions to each of these problems have been developed and implemented.