Service Platforms | Crystallisation & Structural Biology at Diamond

We provide a wide range of service platforms at Diamond, from protein purification and characterisation (membrane proteins) to crystallisation screening and optimisation, data collection, and full structural analysis (available for both soluble and membrane proteins). You can choose to take up our services at any stage of this process. You can choose one or several of these services according to your experimental preferences. Further information is available to help you make an informed choice.

Crystal cultivation, screening and preparation

Membrane Protein purification and characterisation: To ensure optimal conditions for membrane protein structural analysis, we offer a variety of biophysical methods to maintain high-quality control of protein samples.

HTPC – crystal harvesting & cryo-cooling for X-ray Diffraction Analysis: We offer crystal harvesting and cryoprotection for single crystals of suitable size and quality obtained from crystallisation trials. These crystals are protected in an appropriate cryoprotectant and stored in Unipucks, ready for scheduled beamtime at Diamond’s macromolecular crystallography (MX) beamlines.

Data collection

As part of Diamond’s structural biology package for proprietary clients, we offer X-ray diffraction data collection from harvested protein crystals. If diffracting protein crystals are identified, our dedicated scientists will collect the X-ray diffraction data set. Data wedges from individual crystals will be merged to obtain a complete data set.

Contract research

If a suitable homology model is available following data collection, our team of expert scientists will attempt to solve the protein structure using molecular replacement (MR) methods. For projects without a suitable model, experimental S-SAD phasing is available. Successful structural analysis will be completed through structural model refinement.

Flexible access

We provide a wide range of flexible access modes to suit your experimental needs.

Mail In

Clients send their materials to Diamond, where a dedicated team of membrane protein scientists will perform experiments according to the selected service level.

Guided self-service

Suitable for clients who wish to be present and participate in the experiments at the Membrane Protein Laboratory or Crystallisation Facility. You will conduct the experiment with full scientific support from Diamond’s dedicated team of membrane protein experts.

Self-service

After an initial induction by a member of Diamond’s Membrane Protein Laboratory staff, clients perform the experiment independently. This mode is available only for experienced scientists who regularly visit the Membrane Protein Laboratory or Crystallisation Facility.

Crystallisation services