Recent Advances in Protein Crystallography Methods and Instrumentation

Dear Colleagues,

Protein crystallography methods and instrumentation are currently undergoing a significant transformation, with recent advances in sample preparation and crystallization techniques, X-ray sources and detectors, software, data acquisition and analysis, and their integration. The latest developments in this area involved routine data collection from a series of micro- and nanocrystals, producing structures with minimal radiation damage and allowing for time-resolved experiments. Additionally, recent advancements have enhanced the speed, efficiency, and power of protein crystallography, enabling scientists to determine the 3D structures of even the most challenging macromolecules, including studies of their dynamic processes. Furthermore, protein crystallography is being increasingly integrated with other structural biology techniques, such as cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM). This multi-technique approach provides a more comprehensive understanding of complex biological systems and accelerates the discovery of new drugs, which was previously impossible with classical methods. The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning is revolutionizing data processing. These technologies can automate complex tasks, improve model building, and enhance the accuracy of structural models. New algorithms for molecular replacement and refinement have also improved the success rate of structure determination, even in difficult cases.

This Special Issue is dedicated to collecting recent studies concerning advanced crystallization techniques, such as lipid cubic phase (LCP), microseed matrix screening (MMS), and Langmuir–Blodgett nanotemplate (LBNT), ultrasound and microwave-assisted crystallization, electro-crystallization, controlled evaporative crystallization, and nano-crystallization, as well as hybrid techniques.

Moreover, this Special Issue will also elucidate advanced technologies, such as X-ray free-electron lasers (XFELs) and fourth-generation high brilliance synchrotrons, together with nano-diffraction and new crystallographic data integration and interpretation methods.

Dr. Eugenia Pechkova
Guest Editor

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