The Key Technology of the Protein Crystallization in Space

Abstract

JAXA, Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency, has been conducting the High-quality Protein Crystallization Project using International Space Station; ISS. JAXA has developed total technologies for obtaining high-quality protein crystals in space.The success rate of crystallization has been significantly increased to about 80% through the project. The most remarkable point was that maximum resolution was still improved by space experiment even if the ground-crystal showed excellent resolution. For Successful space experiment, total technical improvement is crusial. Especially, it is important to choose the sample which can enhance the effect of microgravity.