Advanced sample environments and sample requirements for biological SAXS

Abstract

In this chapter, we discuss the various sample delivery systems that are available at most biological SAXS beamlines. The focus is laid on the EMBL Biosaxs beamline P12 at the Petra 3 storage ring on the DESY site in Hamburg, Germany. The minimal requirements necessary to prepare samples are described specifically for macromolecular samples in solution and the background is given on how the physical properties of the scattering process itself determine the sample requirements. We provide a number of exemplary applications as well as guidelines for selecting and performing the right data collection strategy depending on the scientific question at hand. This chapter is aimed at novices to the SAXS technique with biochemical background as well as more experienced users setting out to employ more advanced SAXS set-ups.

Keywords: Automation; Integrated structural biology; Liquid chromatography (LC); Sample delivery; Sample environment; Sample preparation; Small angle X-ray scattering (SAXS).