JPH092889A - Crystal growth cell - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE: To obtain a crystal growth cell capable of satisfactorily mixing two solutions by a simple operation and capable of readily coping with a crystal growth experiment using a minute amount of sample under different conditions. CONSTITUTION: This crystal growth cell has the first and second disks D1 and D2 rotatably connected in a superposed state, the first and second solution chambers 11 and 12 respectively receiving the first and second solutions 7 and 8 and communicating with each other at prescribed rotation positions and a magnet 4 at a opposing side to the second disk D2 of the first solution chamber 11, and receives a stirring element 5 to be attracted with the magnet 4 in the second solution chamber 12.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a crystal growth cell used for depositing crystals from a solution under a microgravity or weightless environment.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art A crystal growth cell of this type is disclosed in, for example, Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 6-183400. The crystal growth cell of the above publication comprises a precipitant solution container and a protein solution container with a rotary valve in the middle, and the protein solution container is composed of a plurality of uniformly thin glass capillaries. Is opened and the two containers are communicated with each other to bring the precipitating agent solution into contact with the protein solution, thereby precipitating protein crystals in the glass capillary tube constituting the protein solution container. After that, the glass capillaries can be used as X-ray diffraction capillaries for structural analysis of protein crystals simply by taking out the glass capillaries.

[0003]

By the way, as a sample used in the above-mentioned crystal growth experiment, biopolymers (such as proteins and nucleic acids) are generally extremely expensive, and the crystal growth conditions are Often unclear. Therefore, in this type of experiment, it is desirable to use as small a sample as possible and to perform it under various conditions such as temperature, pH, and precipitant concentration.

However, in the conventional crystal growth cell as described above, it is possible to save the sample to some extent by using the glass capillary tube, but for experiments under different conditions, the conditions are different. This is not desirable in a space environment where working time and the weight of the device are limited. Is
There is a problem that the two solutions are difficult to mix due to its structure, and it has been a problem to solve these problems.

[0005]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made by paying attention to the above-mentioned problems of the prior art. It is possible to satisfactorily mix two solutions by a simple operation, and use a very small amount of a sample under different conditions. It is an object of the present invention to provide a crystal growth cell that can easily handle a crystal growth experiment.

[0006]

A crystal growth cell according to the present invention comprises, as claim 1, first and second disks rotatably connected in a polymerized state, and
The first disk and the second solution chamber, which accommodate the first and second solutions, respectively, and communicate with each other at a predetermined rotation position, and a magnet is provided on the opposite side of the first solution chamber from the second disk. The second solution chamber contains a stirrer attracted by a magnet, and the first solution chamber of the first disc is formed in an open state on both sides of the disc, and the first disc is also provided. A first cover disc is rotatably provided on the side opposite to the second disc, and the first cover disc is provided with a solution injection hole and a magnet communicating with the first solution chamber of the first disc at a predetermined rotation position. As a third aspect, in the crystal growth cell according to the second aspect, the second solution chamber of the second disk is formed in an open state on both surfaces of the second disk, and the side opposite to the first disk of the second disk. On the second cover Comprising a disk rotatably, a second cover disk, a structure having a solution injection hole communicating with the second solution chamber of the second disk at a predetermined rotational position,
As a fourth aspect, the first disk has a third solution chamber that contains the third solution and communicates with the second solution chamber of the second disk at a predetermined rotation position, and the first solution is a crystallizing agent solution. At the same time, the second solution is a sample solution and the third solution is a crystal preservative solution, and the above-mentioned configuration is a means for solving the problem.

[0007]

In the crystal growth cell according to claim 1 of the present invention, the first solution chamber of the first disk and the second solution chamber of the second disk are provided.
The first solution (for example, the crystal-precipitating agent solution) and the second solution (for example, the sample solution) are brought into a separated state by displacing the solution chamber. Then, when both disks are rotated to make the first solution chamber and the second solution chamber communicate with each other, the stirrer in the second solution chamber is attracted by the magnet to move into the first solution chamber,
With the movement, the first solution and the second solution are mixed. Further, since the stirrer is attached to the magnet, it does not hinder crystal growth after mixing.

As described above, in the crystal growth cell, as the operation for starting the experiment, it suffices to rotate the disk,
It is easy to form multiple solution chambers on the disc to perform experiments with different conditions such as pH and precipitant concentration.

In the crystal growth cell according to claim 2 of the present invention, the solution injection hole of the first cover disk, the first and second solution injection holes are provided.
By injecting or shifting the solution chambers of the disc, respectively, the work of injecting the first and second solutions is performed, and after injecting the solution, the first solution chamber and the second solution chamber are placed in a displaced position, Moreover, the state where the first solution chamber and the magnet are aligned is prepared for the experiment.

In the crystal growth cell according to the third aspect of the present invention, the first solution is injected into the first solution chamber of the first disk through the solution injection hole of the first cover disk as in the second aspect. In addition, the injection of the second solution into the second solution chamber of the second disk is performed from the solution injection hole of the second cover disk. By using the individual solution injection holes as described above, cleaning after the solution injection is performed. It becomes possible to simplify work such as drying and drying, and workability of solution injection is improved.

In the crystal growth cell according to the fourth aspect of the present invention, the first solution chamber of the first disk contains the crystallizing agent solution which is the first solution, and the third solution chamber of the first disk has the third solution chamber. A crystal preservative solution, which is a solution, is contained and
A sample solution, which is the second solution, is contained in the second solution chamber of the disk, and the first and third solution chambers and the second solution chamber are displaced from each other to separate the respective solutions.

Then, by rotating both disks to make the first solution chamber and the second solution chamber communicate with each other, the crystallizing agent solution and the sample solution are mixed by the action of the agitator described above and the second solution is mixed. Crystals are deposited in the chamber, and then both disks are rotated again to bring the third solution chamber and the second solution chamber into communication with each other, thereby bringing the solution in the second solution chamber containing the crystals into contact with the crystal preservative solution. And save the crystals.

[0013]

1 to 4 are views for explaining an embodiment of a crystal growth cell according to claims 1, 2 and 4 of the present invention.

The crystal growth cell 1 shown in FIG. 1 (a) comprises first and second disks D1 and D2 which are rotatably connected in a superposed state, and a first cover disk sandwiching the first disk D1. C1 is rotatably provided. The disks D1 and D2 and the first cover disk C1 in this embodiment are all circular with substantially the same diameter, and they are restrained and released from each other by operating the fixing clamp 2 provided at the center. Is done.

Both disks D1 and D2 are made of, for example, quartz glass as a material having an optical beam transmitting property for observation, and in particular, the lower surface of the second disk D2 to which the optical beam for observation is applied is optically polished. There is. In addition to quartz glass, acrylic resin or the like is used as the material of the disks D1 and D2. In addition, both discs D1 and D2
A clearance between the first cover disk C1 and the first cover disk C1 is set to about 1 μm and sealed with silicone oil.

As shown in FIG. 1 (b), the first disk D1 has a first solution chamber 11 and a third solution chamber 1 adjacent thereto.
3 and 3 are provided. These first and third solution chambers 1
The reference numerals 1 and 13 are formed on the concentric circles of the disc and are open to both sides of the first disc D1.

On the other hand, the second disk D2 is also shown in FIG.
As shown in (b), the second solution chamber 12 communicating with the first or third solution chamber 11 or 13 at a predetermined rotation position.
Is provided. This second solution chamber 12 is the first disk D1.
It is formed to be open only on the side.

In this embodiment, the first to third solution chambers 11 to 13 are set as one set, and the sets are arranged in two rows in the radial direction of the disc and at eight positions at regular intervals in the circumferential direction. 16 sets of first to third solution chambers 11 to 13 are provided in total. In addition, the first cover disc C1 is open on both sides of the disc in correspondence with the arrangement of the solution chamber.
The solution injection holes 3 and the same number of magnets 4 are provided.
As shown in FIG. 1B, the magnet 4 has a first disc D1.
It is provided so as to face.

Further, in each of the second solution chambers 12, the stirrer 5 which is attracted by the magnet 4 in the solution injection work described later.
Is accommodated. As the stirrer 5, for example, a plate magnet coated with polytetrafluoroethylene (trade name: Teflon) is used.

In the crystal growth cell 1 having the above structure, the fixing clamp 2 is released, and as shown in FIG. 3A, the solution injection hole 3 of the first cover disk C1 and the first disk D1. The first solution chamber 11 and the second solution chamber 12 of the second disk D2 are brought into communication with each other, the sample solution 6 as the second solution is injected into the second solution chamber 12, and the stirrer 5 is accommodated therein. The sample solution 6 is, for example, a protein solution.

After this, as shown in FIG. 3B, the second
Rotate the disk D2 to rotate the first and second solution chambers 1
1, 12 are displaced, and the solution injection hole 3 and the first
After cleaning and drying the inside of the solution chamber 11, the second solution chamber 12
The second solution, the crystallizing agent solution 7, is injected therein. The crystallizing agent solution 7 is, for example, a salt solution.

Further, after rotating the first cover disk C1 to wash and dry the inside of the solution injection hole 3,
The solution injection hole 3 and the third solution chamber 13 of the first disk D are brought into communication with each other, and the crystal preservative solution 8 as the third solution is injected into the third solution chamber 13, and finally, as shown in FIG. As shown in (c), the solution injection hole 3 and each of the solution chambers 11 to 13 are displaced so that each of the solutions 6 to 8 is separated, and the magnet 4 faces the inside of the first solution chamber 11. .

After the above solution injection, the fixing clamp 2 is held in a restrained state, and as shown in FIG.
A knob 9 for rotating drive is attached to the disk D1. Further, solutions having different conditions such as pH and precipitant concentration are injected into the solution chambers of each set.

Next, in the crystal growth cell 1, in order to perform a crystal growth experiment, the second disk D2 is rotated from each solution separation state shown in FIG. 1 (b), and as shown in FIG. 2 (a). The first and second solution chambers 11 and 12 are communicated with each other.
Then, the stirrer 5 in the second solution chamber 12 is attracted by the magnet 4 and moves into the first solution chamber 11, and the stirrer 5 in FIG.
As shown in (c), the sample solution (second solution) 6 and the crystallizing agent solution (first solution) 7 are mixed. As a result, crystal growth is started in the second solution chamber 12. Since the stirrer 5 is attached to the magnet 4, it does not hinder the growth of crystals after mixing.

After crystal precipitation, as shown in FIG. 2 (c), the second disk D2 is rotated to bring the second and third solution chambers 12 and 13 into communication with each other, thereby containing crystals. The solution in the second solution chamber 12 is brought into contact with the crystal preservative solution (third solution) 8 to store the crystals.

As described above, in the crystal growth cell 1, the second disk D is used under the microgravity or weightless environment.
The sample solution 6 and the crystal precipitating agent solution 7 can be rapidly and satisfactorily mixed by the magnet 4 and the stirrer 5 only by rotating the magnet 2 and the crystals having different solution conditions in the solution chambers 11 to 13 of each set. The growth experiment is carried out at the same time, and both the disks D1 and D2 are made of a material having an optical beam transmission for observation.
Since the lower surface of the disk D2 has been optically polished, FIG.
Optical beam L from light source A and CCD camera B shown in
In-situ observation of crystal growth can be performed using.

FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining one embodiment of the crystal growth cell according to claims 1 to 4 of the present invention.

The crystal growth cell 21 shown in FIG. 5 (a) has a first disk D1 having first and third solution chambers 11 and 13 and a second solution chamber 12 similar to the previous embodiment. 2 disk D2, the 1st-3rd solution chamber 11
Eight to 13 sets are provided.

Eight first cover disks C11 are rotatably provided on the first disk D1 in correspondence with the arrangement of the sets of the solution chambers. Each first cover disc C11 has a first and a third solution chamber 11, 1 at a predetermined rotation position.
3 has two solution injection holes 3 and 3 respectively communicating with each other, and a magnet 4 is provided on the side of the first disk D1 as shown in FIG. 5D.

On the other hand, in the second disk D2, the second solution chamber 12 is formed in an open state on both sides of the same disk, and the surface opposite to the first disk D1 is shown in FIG. 5 (b). The second cover disc C22 is rotatably provided. The second cover disk C22 is provided at eight locations corresponding to the arrangement of each solution chamber set, and has a solution injection hole 3 communicating with the second solution chamber 12 at a predetermined rotation position.

As shown in FIG. 5 (b), this crystal growth cell 21 includes the first and third solution chambers 1 of the first disk D.
1 and 13 and the solution injection holes 3 and 3 of the first cover disk C11 are in communication with each other, the crystal precipitation agent solution 7 as the first solution is injected into the first solution chamber 11, and the third solution chamber 13 Then, the crystal preservative solution 8 as the third solution is injected into the first solution, and then the first cover disk C11 is rotated to close the first and third solution chambers 11 and 13, and at the same time, into the first solution chamber 11. The magnet 4 is made to face.

Next, as shown in FIG. 5C, the second solution chamber 12 of the second disk D2 and the second cover disk C22.
After the sample solution 6 which is the second solution is injected into the second solution chamber 12 and the stirrer 5 is housed in the second solution chamber 12, the solution injection hole 3 of FIG. ), The second cover disk C22 is rotated to close the second solution chamber 12.

After performing the above-mentioned solution injection, in order to carry out a crystal growth experiment, the second disk D is used as in the crystal growth cell of the previous embodiment.
It suffices to rotate 2 only, and it is possible to obtain the same effect as that of the previous embodiment. Moreover, in the crystal growth cell 21 of this embodiment, the first and second cover disks C1
By using the individual solution injection holes 3 in C1 and C22, it is possible to simplify the work such as cleaning and drying after the solution injection, and the workability of the solution injection is improved.

In the case of the first cover disk C11 having the two solution injection holes 3 as in the above-described embodiment, the first and third solution chambers 11 and 13 in the first disk D1 are provided with the first cover disk C11. By arranging the cover disk along the rotation direction of the cover disk and making the second solution chamber of the second disk D1 correspond to the cover disk, the solution chamber 11 can be formed as in the previous embodiment.
There can be 16 sets of -13.

[0035]

As described above, according to the crystal growth cell according to the first aspect of the present invention, the use of the magnet and the stirrer causes the disc to rotate and the first and second solution chambers to communicate with each other. The first solution and the second solution can be mixed very quickly and satisfactorily only by setting the state, and there is no fear that the stirrer will be attached to the magnet, which will hinder the crystal growth after mixing. Instead, by adopting a configuration in which the solution chamber is provided in the disc, it is possible to accurately cope with a very small volume. In addition, it is easy to handle a crystal growth experiment under different conditions using a small amount of sample in one crystal growth cell, and it is possible to perform a crystal growth experiment in a space environment where the working time and the weight of the device are limited. Since it is suitable for application and the operation is extremely simple, automation can be easily dealt with.

According to the crystal growth cell of claim 2 of the present invention, the injection work of each solution can be performed easily and accurately, and according to the crystal growth cell of claim 3 of the present invention. In addition to the effect of item 2, since each solution is injected through individual solution injection holes, it is possible to simplify the work such as cleaning and drying after the solution injection, and the workability of solution injection. Can be increased.

According to the crystal growth cell of claim 4 of the present invention, in addition to the effects of the above claims, the steps of crystal precipitation and crystal preservation are continuously performed only by the operation of rotating the disk. be able to.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a perspective view (a) and a partial cross-sectional view (b) illustrating an embodiment of a crystal growth cell according to claims 1, 2 and 4 of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view (a) showing a state in which the first and second solution chambers are in communication with each other, and a cross-sectional view (b) showing a state in which the second and third solution chambers are in communication with each other following FIG. ) And a cross-sectional view (c) for explaining the mixing of the first solution and the second solution by the stirrer.

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a process of injecting a solution into each solution chamber.

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which crystal growth is observed by an optical beam.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view illustrating an embodiment of a crystal growth cell according to claims 1 to 4 of the present invention, and a cross-sectional view illustrating solution injection into the first and third solution chambers. FIG. 6C is a cross-sectional view illustrating the solution injection into the second solution chamber, and FIG. 9D is a cross-sectional view illustrating the state where the solution injection is completed.

[Explanation of symbols]

 1 21 Crystal Growth Cell 3 Solution Injection Hole 4 Magnet 5 Stirrer 6 Sample Solution (Second Solution) 7 Crystal Precipitant Solution (First Solution) 8 Crystal Preservative Solution (Third Solution) 11 First Solution Chamber 12 Second Solution chamber 13 Third solution chamber C1 1st cover disc C11 1st cover disc C22 2nd cover disc D1 1st disc D2 2nd disc

Claims (4)

[Claims] 1. A first and a second disk rotatably connected in a polymerized state, the first and second disks respectively containing the first and second solutions, and at a predetermined rotational position. Comprises first and second solution chambers communicating with each other,
A crystal growth cell comprising a magnet on the side of the first solution chamber opposite to the second disk, and a stirrer attracted to the magnet by the second solution chamber. 2. A first solution chamber of the first disc is formed on both sides of the disc in an open state, and a first cover disc is rotatably provided on the opposite side of the first disc from the second disc. The crystal growth cell according to claim 1, wherein one cover disk is provided with a solution injection hole communicating with the first solution chamber of the first disk at a predetermined rotation position and a magnet. 3. The crystal growth cell according to claim 2, wherein the second solution chamber of the second disk is formed in an open state on both sides of the disk, and the second disk is provided on the opposite side of the first disk from the second disk. A second cover disk is rotatably provided,
A crystal growth cell, wherein the second cover disk is provided with a solution injection hole communicating with the second solution chamber of the second disk at a predetermined rotation position. 4. The first disc comprises a third solution chamber containing a third solution and communicating with a second solution chamber of the second disc at a predetermined rotation position, the first solution being a crystallizing agent solution. At the same time, the second solution is a sample solution and the third solution is a crystal preservative solution, and the crystal growth cell according to claim 1.