Fluorescent Robotic Imager

Fluorescent Robotic Imager automates imaging and classification of protein crystals in multi-well crystallization experiments to support screening for protein crystallography.

Key Features:

• Cost Efficiency: Developed at approximately 28 times lower cost than existing market solutions.
• Automation: Automates capture of images using both standard and fluorescent imaging techniques and performs classification of protein crystals.
• 3D Printing Base: Utilizes a Panowin F1 3D printer as the structural foundation of the instrument.
• Software Integration: Operated via G-code commands generated by a Python script running on a desktop computer for precise control.
• Fluorescent Imaging Optics: Incorporates a 488 nm laser diode paired with a 525 nm filter for in situ fluorescent imaging of proteins tagged with Alexa Fluor 488.

Scientific Applications:

• Protein Crystallography Screening: Supports screening of crystallization trials to determine optimal conditions for protein crystallization.
• Expanded Imaging Modalities: Enables both standard and fluorescent imaging to broaden analysis of protein samples, including visualization of Alexa Fluor 488–tagged proteins.

Methodology:

G-code commands are generated by a Python script on a desktop computer to control the imaging hardware.