PCAM: a multi-user facility-based protein crystallization apparatus for microgravity

A facility-based protein crystallization apparatus for microgravity (PCAM) has been constructed and flown on a series of Space Shuttle Missions. The h ardware development was undertaken largely because of the many important ex amples of quality improvements gained from crystal growth in the diffusion- limited environment in space. The concept was based on the adaptation for m icrogravity of a commonly available crystallization tray to increase sample density, to facilitate co-investigator participation and to improve flight logistics and handling. A co-investigator group representing scientists fr om industry, academia, and government laboratories has been established. Mi crogravity applications of the hardware have produced improvements in a num ber of structure-based crystallographic studies and include examples of ena bling research. Additionally, the facility has been used to support fundame ntal research in protein crystal growth which has delineated factors contri buting to the effect of microgravity on the growth and quality of protein c rystals. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.