The innovative project “Acoustofluidic Crystallography” (AFX) is set to revolutionize the field of serial crystallography (SX) by introducing a novel sample delivery method that promises to enhance the efficiency and reliability of experiments conducted at synchrotrons and X-ray free-electron lasers (XFELs). This cutting-edge research is a collaborative effort involving KTH Royal Institute of Technology, DESY, and MAX IV, funded by the LEAPS-INNOV initiative (GA: 101004728).
The LEAPS-INNOV innovation pilot aims to develop the cutting-edge technology to support groundbreaking research and drive innovation, while strengthening the European scientific network and establishing long-lasting industry connections. As part of these efforts, a dedicated Work Package for Co-Creation, WP9, has been implemented. With an aim to establish new co-creation structures allowing for joint development of key technologies and novel access modes through seed funding for pilot implementation studies, a call for project proposals was processed. The result was a selection of 3 co-creation pilots, including the AFX project.
The essence of AFX
At the heart of AFX lies the integration of acoustofluidics with state-of-the-art injection nozzles, aimed at reducing sample consumption and preventing clogging—a common issue in current SX methods. The project leverages a piezoelectric actuator to generate a 2D ultrasonic standing wave, which focuses microcrystals into a single line within a silica capillary. This setup, combined with a flow cell or dual flow-focusing nozzle (DFFN), ensures precise and efficient sample delivery.
“We are combining acoustics with microfluidics to improve sample delivery of protein crystals,” explained Jonas Sellberg, coordinator of the AFX project. “Our goal is to reduce sample waste and make delivery more reliable, preventing crystals from getting trapped during the process.”
Read more at MAXIV website
Image: Varun Kumar Rajendran, post-doctoral fellow with the AFX project, installs a first prototype of the acoustofluidic device at MAX IV’s MicroMAX beamline during AFX beamtime in June 2024.
Credit: MAX IV