Hanging-drop crystallization

Hanging-drop crystallization is a technique used to grow crystals of substances like proteins. In this process, a small drop containing the substance and a special solution is placed on a coverslip and then inverted over a reservoir of the same solution. The drop hangs upside down, and over time, the gradual change in conditions causes the molecules to come together and form ordered crystal structures. This method allows careful control over the environment, making it easier for crystals to grow slowly and uniformly, which is essential for detailed structural analysis.