Kryokrystallisasjon

Kryokrystallisasjon, also known as cryocrystallization, is a process used in crystallography where crystals are formed or studied at very low temperatures. This technique is particularly valuable for analyzing molecules that are unstable at room temperature or that exhibit different structural or dynamic properties when cooled. It is a specialized method within the broader field of crystallography.

The primary goal of kryokrystallisasjon is to obtain well-ordered crystals of a substance that can then be subjected to X-ray diffraction or other crystallographic techniques. Low temperatures, often achieved using liquid nitrogen or helium, help to stabilize the crystal lattice and reduce thermal motion, which can lead to sharper diffraction data. This is crucial for determining precise atomic structures.

This method is frequently employed in the study of biological macromolecules, such as proteins and nucleic acids, which are often sensitive to heat and can degrade or undergo conformational changes at higher temperatures. By crystallizing these molecules at cryogenic temperatures, researchers can capture their structures in a more native or stable state. The resulting structural information can provide insights into their function, mechanism of action, and interactions with other molecules.