The PCT Pre-Crystallization Test is used to determine the appropriate protein concentration for crystallization screening. Sample concentration is a significant crystallization variable. Samples too concentrated can result in amorphous precipitate, while samples too dilute can result in clear drops. Precipitate and clear drops are typical crystallization screen results for reagent conditions which do not promote crystallization and are part of every crystallization screen. However, by optimizing protein concentration for the screen, the number of clear and precipitate results can often be reduced, which in turn results in more efficient sample utilization while at the same time enhancing the chances for crystallization. PCT can minimize or prevent situations where a screen results in an over abundance of precipitate or clear drops.
The PCT kit contains 4 unique, preformulated, sterile filtered reagents used to evaluate protein concentration for crystallization screening. Initially, the sample protein is mixed with two of the reagents to determine if the protein concentration is appropriate for crystallization screening. If the protein is very sensitive to salt and polymer concentration, based on initial PCT results, the protein may be evaluated using a second set of PCT reagents. PCT results will then provide insight to either the appropriate sample concentration or indicate that other diagnostic testing such as native gel electrophoresis or dynamic light scattering should be performed to demonstrate sample homogeneity appropriate for crystallization.
Each PCT kit contains 4 unique reagents, 50 ml each. This kit is useful for researchers who already have crystallization plates and cover slides
Each PCT kit (with plates) contains 4 unique reagents, 30 ml each, plus 24 well VDX Plates with sealant and siliconized cover slides. This kit is useful for labs without access to crystallization plates and cover slides.
