Time-resolved studies of dynamic biomolecules using small angle X-ray scattering

Abstract

Small angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) of biomacromolecules in solution has become a prominent technique in structural biology. Whilst the majority of current use is for static measurements, the field is also advancing for measurements where the sample at the beam position changes with time, using high throughput systems, chromatography, high speed mixing and pump-probe techniques in particular. Time resolved work is greatly aided by increasingly sophisticated software for acquiring and analysing data, together with developments in X-ray sources, beamline optics and detectors. The exploitation of spatial coherence is under development, with X-ray free electron lasers aiming to provide major advances in single molecule structure reconstruction and time resolution. Here we provide an overview of current developments advancing time resolved solution SAXS.