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In-situ Observation of Growth Mechanisms of Protein Crystals and Their Perfection Under Microgravity (Nano_Step)
12.05.12

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Overview | Description | Applications | Operations | Results | Publications | Imagery

Experiment Overview

This content was provided by Katsuo Tsukamoto, and is maintained in a database by the ISS Program Science Office.

Information provided courtesy of the Japan Aerospace and Exploration Agency (JAXA).
Brief Summary

In-situ Observation of Growth Mechanisms of Protein Crystals and Their Perfection Under Microgravity (NanoStep) aims to clarify the relationship between crystal growth and mechanism and the perfection of crystals. Crystallization of proteins in microgravity yields crystals with better perfection than crystallization on Earth. The reason for this phenominum has not been explained from a viewpoint of crystal growth mechanism.

Principal Investigator(s)

  • Katsuo Tsukamoto, Tohoku University, Japan

    • Co-Investigator(s)/Collaborator(s)

    Information Pending

    Developer(s)
    Information Pending

    Sponsoring Space Agency

    Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA)

    Sponsoring Organization

    Information Pending

    ISS Expedition Duration:

    September 2011 - March 2013



    Expeditions Assigned

    29/30,31/32,33/34

    Previous ISS Missions

    Information Pending

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    Experiment Description

    Research Overview

    It has been emphasized in the literature that the protein crystal perfection increases in microgravity conditions. However, the precise mechanism responsible for such observation is yet to be understood from the fundamental point of view. Our objective is to elucidate the correlation of growth mechanisms at various levels of supersaturation and defects induced during growth. We are planning to use lysozyme as a model protein and observe the growing crystal surfaces by Michelson interferometer. The growth rates of nano-steps can be calculated from the observation of crystal surfaces as a function of supersaturation.

    Description

    Information Pending

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    Applications

    Space Applications

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    Earth Applications

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    Operations

    Operational Requirements

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    Operational Protocols

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    Results/More Information

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    Related Websites

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    Imagery

    image NASA Image: ISS033E007364 - Close-up view of the Nano Step payload Specimen Cell prior to insertion into the SCOF (Solution Crystallization Observation Facility) in the Japanese Experiment Module (JEM).
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    image NASA Image: ISS033E007362 Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency astronaut Aki Hoshide,Expedition 33 flight engineer,services the Nano Step payload in the Japanese Experiment Module (JEM).
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    image NASA Image: ISS033E007383
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    Information provided by the investigation team to the ISS Program Scientist's Office.
    If updates are needed to the summary please contact JSC-ISS-Program-Science-Group. For other general questions regarding space station research and technology, please feel free to call our help line at 281-244-6187 or e-mail at JSC-ISS-Payloads-Helpline.
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