Lasers nurture space proteins

17 Jun 2002

A new laser fiber-delivery system will bring space scientists closer to understanding protein structures.

Scientists from the University of Alabama's Center for Macromolecular Crystallography (CMC), US, and UK-based Point Source have pioneered a new non-invasive sensing and control technique that looks set to drive microgravity crystal growth forward.

For years scientists have strived to understand the structure of proteins to design and develop effective drugs. Past experience has shown that protein crystals grown in the Earth's gravity have internal defects, which makes it difficult for scientists to study a crystal's structure using X-ray diffraction. NASA space shuttle missions, however, reveal that crystals grown under zero gravity, or more precisely in microgravity environments, have fewer defects.

With this in mind, scientists from CMC and Point Source have developed a non-invasive sensing and control technique, based on laser scattering, that promises to make the process of microgravity protein crystallization easier.

Crystals begin life in supersaturated aqueous solutions and CMC's new technique controls their growth conditions. However, a laser light system, which detects the crucial first step of the growth process - protein molecule aggregation - has only been made possible by Point Source's laser technology. The manufacturer of laser and fiber-optic beam-delivery systems has developed a laser-diode light source, which they claim offers the power stability that is critical to the laser system.

According to a spokesperson from Point Source, the new system will replace invasive manual systems previously used by CMC in past space shuttle missions, and will aid scientist's understanding of protein crystal growth kinetics.