Patent ID: 7470324
Filing Date: 2008-12-30
Classification: C30B

Abstract:
1. A method for the crystallization of macromolecules in a three-phase system using a vessel containing a lower aqueous phase, a middle liquid phase and an upper hydrophobic phase having a lower density than that of the lower aqueous phase, the method comprising: adding an aqueous solution of the macromolecules to the middle phase to form a fourth phase, followed by incubation, wherein said aqueous solution of macromolecules forms a fourth phase which does not immediately mix with the lower phase; said fourth phase does not mix completely with the lower phase until the crystallization begins in the fourth phase or at a phase boundary with the fourth phase; there is essentially no diffusion of water from the vessel through the upper phase over the duration of the crystallization process; and said middle phase is selected to have a diffusion of water from the fourth phase into the lower phase.