Although trying to refine the crystals is perhaps the most straightforward thing, you might consider trying micro electron diffraction (micro-ED) with the existing samples—the technique is working increasingly better, and would work well with your tiny crystals. Look at Tamir Gonen’s recent papers for more info.

 

All the best,

 

Jacob Keller

 

From: CCP4 bulletin board [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of ???
Sent: Wednesday, March 01, 2017 3:53 AM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: [ccp4bb] How to refine this needle crystal of membrane complex?

 

Dear all, 
I am trying to obtain crystals of membrane complex. Now, I have obtained the complex with appropriate stoichiometry after a series of purification in DDM, then I get extremely thin needles (as shown in figure) in  some conditions such as 28% MPD, 0.1 M NaAc pH 4.5 or 45% MPD,0.1 M Bis-Tris pH 6.5, 0.2 M CaCl2. However, there are not any improvements through changing the concentration of precipitants/salts or adding the additives/detergents to the protein.

I would be very happy if anybody could give me some advice about this crystal refinement.

With best regards.