Application of osmotic dewatering to the controlled crystallization of biological macromolecules and organic compounds

Abstract Several methods of crystallization of biological macromolecules depend upon the transport of water through the vapor phase - a process that is sensitive to ambient conditions (temperature, relative humidity). Other methods depend on the transport of solute by diffusion or through a membrane. By regulating the solute concentration on the outside of a reverse-osmosis membrane it is possible to control the rate at which macromolecules and other solutes are concentrated inside a membrane-bound fluid. The effect of dewatering rate on lysozyme crystal quality and growth rate was assessed. A 3-fold increase in concentration over a 9 day period yielded tetragonal crystals 0.5 mm on a side with sharp edges and with ordering at least to 1.73 A. Transparent crystals of triglycine sulfate were grown by osmotic dewatering; in this case crystal growth could be enhanced or reversed by manipulating the external solution.

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