Developing time-resolved serial synchrotron crystallography studies at ID29 of the ESRF

Time-resolved serial crystallography studies of light-sensitive proteins is now a major application of XFEL radiation. This success has motivated the development of time resolved serial synchrotron X-ray crystallography (TR-SSX) which is a very exciting and growing application of synchrotron radiation. We aim to work with the staff of ID29 to develop methods for observing structural changes within proteins. To this end we will continue to develop flow-cells and fixed-target systems for sample delivery; we will use light-driven systems such as phytochromes and photosynthetic reaction centres for proof-of-principle benchmarking studies; and will use caged compounds in combination with chemically driven enzymes such as cytochrome c oxidase and nitrite reductase to expand the sphere of application of TR-SSX approaches. All methods developed within the bag will be made freely available to other ESRF users.