JCB-SGT Crystallization Devices Applicable to PCG Experiments and their Crystallization Conditions

Abstract

JCB-SGT, which is the primary crystallization container used in JAXA PCG (Protein Crystal Growth) experiments, is simple, versatile and has a wide range of applications. Various crystallization methods can be applied in JCB-SGT: counter-diffusion method, dialysis method, vapor-diffusion method, osmosis-tube method and batch method. We have supported users of JAXA PCG for nearly 20 years and incrementally improved our technologies to obtain high-quality protein crystals in space. In this review, the outline of JCB-SGT is described and important insights and lessons learned from our experiences in optimizing crystallization conditions are explained. These are helpful for PCG users to optimize their protein samples for experimentation, contributing to both space-based experiments and also to laboratory experiments on the ground.