Macromolecular cryocrystallography: Cooling, mounting, storage and transportation of crystals

Simple methods are presented for handling, mounting, storage and transportation of crystals at cryogenic temperatures. They are easy to learn and have a number of technical and operational advantages over currently popular methods. In particular, the temperature of the crystal throughout all manipulations is known; it is shown never to rise above that of the warmest component of the cryogenic system, typically the cold gas stream of the low-temperature apparatus. Crystals can be mounted and inspected in the home laboratory prior to transportation to a synchrotron, giving dramatic savings in experimental time and effort. Provided appropriate care is taken, crystals remain frost free throughout any number of mount-dismount cycles.