Exploring The Potential Of A Bioassembler For Protein Crystallization In Space

Protein crystallization holds paramount significance in structural biology, serving as a pivotal technique for unveiling the three-dimensional (3D) architecture of proteins.

While microgravity conditions in space offer distinct advantages for high-quality protein crystal growth by mitigating the influences of gravity and convection, the development of reliable techniques for protein crystallization in space with precise control over the crystallization process and its meticulous inspections remains a challenge.

In this study, we present an innovative bioassembler—specifically, the ‘Organ.Aut’—which we successfully employed to crystallize protein in space. The bioassembler ‘Organ.Aut’ produced highly ordered crystals diffracted to a true-atomic resolution of ∼1 Å.

These data allowed for a detailed examination of atomic structures, enabling thorough structural comparisons with crystals grown on Earth.

Our finding suggests that the bioassembler ‘Organ.Aut’ stands as a promising and viable option for advancing protein crystallization in space.

A Cuvette preparation procedure. The cuvette is consequently filled with agarose plug, protein solution, and precipitant. B Six cuvettes are loaded in the transportation box and delivered to the ISS with the Soyuz MS-14 spacecraft. The box also contains a thermologger that continuously records the temperature. C Key stages of the experiment performed aboard the ISS. The cuvettes are loaded into the bioassembler “Organ.Aut” to sustain the crystallization process for 10 days. Three video cameras are installed on the bioassembler to capture the crystallization process. D Transportation of the cuvettes with the crystals in the transportation box back to Earth with the Soyuz MS-14 spacecraft. The data from the thermologger are shown in blue. Figure adapted from previous work10. — NPJ Microgravity via PubMed

Exploring The Potential Of A Bioassembler For Protein Crystallization In Space, NPJ Microgravity via PubMed (open access)

Astrobiology, Biotechnology, Microgravity,