XFEL provides expertise in serial crystallography, from experiment planning and beamtime proposals, sample preparation, characterisation & delivery.
European XFEL, part of Instruct-DE, joined Instruct-ERIC in 2025. The Bio Laboratory at European XFEL began operation in summer 2016 and has since supported users in sample preparation and characterization for XFEL beamtimes. The laboratory is equipped with state-of-the-art instruments covering the full workflow, from cell culture to sample delivery into the x-ray beam.
With extensive experience in serial crystallography sample preparation, we assist researchers in preparing and optimizing microcrystals for their experiments. A distinctive aspect of serial crystallography is the requirement for continuous sample delivery, as a fresh sample must be supplied for each X-ray pulse (“diffraction before destruction”). Once microcrystals are prepared, we help determine the most suitable delivery method, such as liquid jets, high-viscosity extruders, or fixed targets, by performing injection tests and fluidic property measurements.
For researchers new to serial crystallography, the facility provides consultation and guidance throughout the entire process, including assistance with the preparation of beamtime proposals. To facilitate an efficient and well-coordinated application process, researchers are advised to contact facility staff in advance.
Serial Crystallography Sample Preparation
We provide comprehensive support for the preparation of samples used in serial crystallography experiments. Our expertise covers the entire process from microcrystal growth and optimization, ensuring that samples meet the specific requirements for high-quality serial crystallography experiments.
Users have access to fully equipped laboratory facilities for protein microcrystallization. Facility staff assists researchers in developing and refining crystallization conditions, with particular emphasis on generating stable and uniform microcrystals suitable for serial data collection.
We offer guidance in evaluating crystal quality through microscopic inspection and diffraction testing, and in optimizing parameters such as crystal size distribution and concentration. For users new to the field, tailored consultation and training can be provided to ensure successful sample preparation workflows for XFEL beamtime.
This service is available through both remote and on-site access.
Sample Characterization for Serial Crystallography
This service is to ensure that crystal quality and sample properties are well understood prior to beamtime, thereby improving data collection efficiency and overall experimental success.
Our laboratory is equipped with advanced instruments for comprehensive sample assessment, including Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS) for evaluating particle size distribution, Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) for direct visualization of microcrystals and, where feasible, diffraction tests, and Second-Order Nonlinear Imaging of Chiral Crystals (SONICC) for detecting protein crystals in complex mixtures. These techniques enable the detailed analysis of crystal morphology, size, homogeneity, and diffraction potential.
This service can be accessed through both remote and on-site modes, depending on the user’s needs and the nature of the characterization tasks.
Sample Delivery Test for Serial Crystallography
Sample delivery plays a crucial role in achieving successful data collection at XFELs. This service focuses on identifying and optimizing suitable delivery techniques for each sample type.
Our staff will perform sample delivery tests of users' samples to evaluate compatibility with various systems, including liquid jets, droplet generators, high-viscosity extruders, and fixed-target setups. During these tests, parameters such as flow stability, sample consumption, and jet behaviour are assessed to determine optimal experimental conditions. Facility staff offers these tests, ensuring that users can achieve reproducible and reliable sample delivery performance.
European XFEL Beamtime proposal writing
In addition to all services, the facility provides consultation and support for beamtime proposal writing, assisting users in defining experimental strategies, describing sample delivery approaches, and articulating technical feasibility. Our staff can help researchers refine their proposal sections related to sample preparation and delivery, improving the overall clarity and competitiveness of submissions.
This service is available through both remote and on-site access, depending on users’ needs and the nature of the planned experiments.
For more information on services, please visit our service/technologies sites or contact facility staff directly.
Remote access? Yes
Physical access? Yes
How to find
European XFEL is located in Schenefeld, just outside the city of Hamburg to the northwest. By public transportation, it takes approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes to reach us from Hamburg Airport, about 1 hour from Hamburg Central Station, and around 35 minutes from Altona Station. More detailed information is available on our website.
This service, Serial Crystallography Sample Preparation, provides expert support for optimal sample preparation using our staff’s expertise and state-of-the-art laboratory equipment.
We provide comprehensive support for the preparation of samples used in serial crystallography experiments. Our expertise covers the entire process from microcrystal growth and optimization, ensuring that samples meet the specific requirements for high-quality serial crystallography experiments.
Users have access to fully equipped laboratory facilities for protein microcrystallization. Facility staff assists researchers in developing and refining crystallization conditions, with particular emphasis on generating stable and uniform microcrystals suitable for serial data collection.
We offer guidance in evaluating crystal quality through microscopic inspection and diffraction testing, and in optimizing parameters such as crystal size distribution and concentration. For users new to the field, tailored consultation and training can be provided to ensure successful sample preparation workflows for XFEL beamtime.
This service is available through both remote and on-site access.
View All Crystallisation at Instruct
The ‘Sample Characterization for Serial Crystallography’ service focuses on evaluating microcrystal suspensions to ensure optimal quality for XFEL data collection. With state-of-the-art equipment and experienced staff, users can characterize their samples in detail and refine preparation strategies accordingly.
This service is to ensure that crystal quality and sample properties are well understood prior to beamtime, thereby improving data collection efficiency and overall experimental success.
Our laboratory is equipped with advanced instruments for comprehensive sample assessment, including Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS) for evaluating particle size distribution, Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) for direct visualization of microcrystals and, where feasible, diffraction tests, and Second-Order Nonlinear Imaging of Chiral Crystals (SONICC) for detecting protein crystals in complex mixtures. These techniques enable the detailed analysis of crystal morphology, size, homogeneity, and diffraction potential.
This service can be accessed through both remote and on-site modes, depending on the user’s needs and the nature of the characterization tasks.
The ‘Sample Delivery Test for Serial Crystallography’ service provides users with the opportunity to evaluate different delivery methods and to refine their experimental strategies accordingly. In addition, facility staff offers guidance for drafting beamtime proposals, helping researchers to clearly articulate the technical aspects of sample preparation and delivery.
Sample delivery plays a crucial role in achieving successful data collection at XFELs. This service focuses on identifying and optimizing suitable delivery techniques for each sample type.
Our staff will perform sample delivery tests of users' samples to evaluate compatibility with various systems, including liquid jets, droplet generators, high-viscosity extruders, and fixed-target setups. During these tests, parameters such as flow stability, sample consumption, and jet behaviour are assessed to determine optimal experimental conditions. Facility staff offers these tests, ensuring that users can achieve reproducible and reliable sample delivery performance.
