High-Throughput Protein Crystallization in an Integrated Droplet-Based Microfluidic Platform.

We present an integrated droplet-based microfluidic platform for high-throughput protein crystallization experimentation. The device consists of commercially available micro-junctions and PFA tubing assembled for different functions: droplet generation, incubation, and observation. Herein, we describe a complete methodology to generate hundreds of droplets with controlled properties (i.e., size, generation frequency, and composition). Therefore, multiple trials can be carried out under controlled experimental conditions for the screening and optimization of protein crystallization conditions.