Useful Results of JAXA Protein Crystal Growth Experiment in ISS

Abstract

Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) has launched ``High Quality Protein Crystal Growth'' (JAXA PCG) experiments using Protein Crystallization Research Facility (PCRF) in Japanese Experiment Module 'Kibo' (JEM) in the International Space Station (ISS) since July, 2009. In the course of JAXA (NASDA)-GCF and JAXA-NGCF from 2003 to 2008, we experienced more than 300 protein crystallization experiments in microgravity, and developed techniques to make the best use of microgravity environment for obtaining high-quality protein crystals. In this report, we introduce some of these techniques which can be applied to the crystallization experiment on the ground, and some crystallization results which are expected to contribute to the social demand.