PubReading [32] - Enhancing Protein Crystallization under a Magnetic Field - S. Young Ryu, H. Kyu Song et al.

High-quality crystals are essential to ensure high-resolution structural information. Protein crystals are controlled by many factors, such as pH, temperature, and the ion concentration of crystalline solutions. We previously reported the development of a device dedicated to protein crystallization. In the current study, we have further modified and improved our device. Exposure to external magnetic field leads to alignment of the crystal toward a preferred direction depending on the magnetization energy. Each material has different magnetic susceptibilities depending on the individual direction of their unit crystal cells. One of the strategies to acquire a large crystal entails controlling the nucleation rate. Furthermore, exposure of a crystal to a magnetic field may lead to new morphologies by affecting the crystal volume, shape, and quality. - doi:10.3390/cryst10090821 - 2020