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| Second-Generation Vapor Diffusion Apparatus (VDA)/Single-locker Thermal Enclosure System (STES) |
| SpaceHab |
| Prime: Chiaki Mukai | Principal Investigator: Dr. Larry DeLucas of the Center for Macromolecular Crystallography, University of Alabama, Birmingham |
| Backup: Pedro Duque |
| Overview |
| During STS-95, the Second-Generation Vapor Diffusion Apparatus (VDA) will grow crystals of eight different proteins and ribonucleic acids in 80 crystallization chambers. The subjects of these experiments include compounds associated with diseases and conditions including diabetes, allergies, and viral and bacterial infections. The crystals grown in the microgravity experiments will be studied by X-ray crystallography to map the three-dimensional structures of these large molecules. Ultimately, this information will be used to develop new drugs to treat these diseases. The Second-Generation Vapor Diffusion Apparatus uses vapor diffusion techniques to grow protein crystals. The apparatus consists of four trays, with 20 crystallization chambers per tray. Each chamber employs a triple-barrel syringe to mix tiny amounts of chemicals. One barrel contains a protein solution, another a precipitant solution, and the third is used as the mixing chamber. Each syringe protrudes into an experiment chamber lined with an absorbent reservoir containing precipitant solution. The experiment flight hardware includes an STES, which can carry four VDA-2 trays totaling 80 samples. This system is an incubator capable of heating or cooling to a constant temperature in the 39 to 104 degrees Fahrenheit (four to 40 degrees Celsius) range. The unit can maintain temperatures within a half degree of the control setting. Temperature is controlled by thermal electric and forced air cooling. The facility supports approximately 28 pounds of experiment apparatus. |
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