Ultra-Precise Structural Analysis with Space Experiment
(For Drug Discovery: Structure-Based Drug Discovery (SBDD) support platform utilizing
the microgravity environment on the International Space Station)
Microgravity is undoubtedly a commodity as long as you have measures to reach space.
What differentiates us from other microgravity experiment opportunities providers are unique one-stop services covering the hands-on and state-of-the-alert ground preparation, space-experiments-focused hardwares (developed and optimized through 10+ years, 1,000 proteins experiments histories), and 3D structure analysis upon the sample return to earth.
Therefore, we normally recommend you take all those services (1→2→3→4 as stated below) but since we sincerely care about how customers are satisfied, we can unbundle those services to fit your needs. Besides, as experienced life science solution providers not limited to the space area, we can offer and develop unlisted services below. So feel free to join our webinars or connect with us first of all.
Details of Individual Services
1. PROTEIN SAMPLE CHARACTERIZATION &
CRYSTALLIZATION ON THE GROUND
Increase your success rate of space experiment
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With our over ten-year experience, we have found that a successful experiment relies on sample characterization and preparation on the earth. If a sample has problems in purity and stability, for example, we improve them and then need to find a solution with the right conditions, namely the right combination of reagents and their concentration, pH of the solution, and additives serving as stabilizing molecules.
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For such sample characterization, we carry out mixtures of chromatography, SDS-PAGE, Native PAGE, DLS, and others in our laboratory.
2. SET-UP CRYSTALLIZATION CONDITIONS AND HARDWARE SPECIFICALLY OPTIMIZED FOR SPACE (MICROGRAVITY) EXPERIMENT
Adjust to the space experiment
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For microgravity crystallization, we come to the conclusion that the counter-diffusion method is one of the best. However, in most regular ground cases crystallization are VP method, so we would assist you in adjusting crystallization conditions from VP to CD (we recommend CD but we can handle any methods so feel free to inquire)
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Another thing is crystallization hardware. We use JCB-SGT (JAXA Crystallization Box - Sealbag Gel Tube) specifically developed for space experiments, with capillaries put in each tube.
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For further information on crystallization methods and hardware, you can check this JAXA's website.
3. SPACE EXPERIMENT (SAMPLE UP & RETURN)
no worry, smooth routine operation
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the samples stay in ISS for 1-2 months (enough time to process crystallization)
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In any phase after the samples leave your lab, the temperature is well controlled either in the freeze or chill on the ground. And when they start crystallization in space, you can choose 20℃ or 4℃ as per your request
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The samples are well protected on the way up and down by hardware which has passed vibration (shock impact) and several others tests for general space experiments. So you don't have to worry that your samples get damaged and fail. We may offer some kind of warranty if needed.
4. X-RAY DIFFRACTION & 3D STRUCTURE ANALYSIS
you receive data you want
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After the samples return from the space, we can also smoothly exercise X-ray diffraction, taking out crystals from the hardware and use synchrotron radiation facilities such as Photon Factory and SPring-8 in Japan (overseas facilities can be options as well)
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After that, we process and analyze those improved diffraction data to determine protein/molecular structures to the detail level.
Price
The price is subject to your project. Feel Free to contact us for further explanation!