Detalle de: Fast mixing device for time-resolved synchrotron x-ray scattering studies of radiation sensitive proteins

A fast mixing device apparatus has been constructed to study the kinetic structural reactions of radiation sensitive proteins by time-resolved small angle x-ray scattering. The sample cell has a volume of 0.75 ml and is translated through the synchrotron x-ray beam as the experiment progresses. The dead time of the device is 50 ms, and it is able to mix viscous liquids with ratios ranging from 1:1 to 1:250 with a measured precision of 0.1 μl. The device uses two motor driven syringes that are individually controlled. The whole instrument is thermostated and is remotely controlled. Cleaning of the cell is carried out remotely, removing the need to enter the x-ray hutch between each measurement. Commissioning of the apparatus was carried out by following the assembly of the radiation sensitive protein tubulin into microtubules induced by two different chemical jumps.