The fluid phenomena in the crystallization of the protein crystal

This paper reports that an optical diagnostic system consisting ofMach--Zehnder interferometer with a phase shift device and imageprocessor has been used for study of the kinetics of protein crystalgrowing process. The crystallization process of protein crystal byvapour diffusion is investigated. The interference fringes areobserved in real time. The present experiment demonstrates that thediffusion and the sedimentation influence the crystallization ofprotein crystal which grows in solution, and the concentrationcapillary convection associated with surface tension occurs at thevicinity of free surface of the protein mother liquor, and directlyaffects on the outcome of protein crystallization. So far thedetailed analysis and the important role of the fluid phenomena inprotein crystallization have been discussed a little in both space-and ground-based crystal growth experiments. It is also foundthat these fluid phenomena affect the outcome of proteincrystallization, regular growth, and crystal quality. This mayexplain the fact that many results of space-basedinvestigation do not show overall improvement.