Encapsulation and diffraction-pattern-correction methods to reduce the effect of damage in x-ray diffraction imaging of single biological molecules

Phys Rev Lett. 2007 May 11;98(19):198302. doi: 10.1103/PhysRevLett.98.198302. Epub 2007 May 9.

Abstract

Short and intense x-ray pulses may be used for atomic-resolution diffraction imaging of single biological molecules. Radiation damage and a low signal-to-noise ratio impose stringent pulse requirements. In this Letter, we describe methods for decreasing the damage and improving the signal by encapsulating the molecule in a sacrificial layer (tamper) that reduces atomic motion and by postprocessing the pulse-averaged diffraction pattern to correct for ionization damage. Simulations show that these methods greatly improve the image quality.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Biophysics / methods*
  • Computer Simulation*
  • DNA / chemistry
  • DNA / radiation effects
  • Models, Theoretical*
  • Proteins / chemistry
  • Proteins / radiation effects
  • X-Ray Diffraction

Substances

  • Proteins
  • DNA