scientific solutions | protein science & Structural Biology

X-Ray Crystallography

At Sygnature Discovery, we help you unlock structural insights that drive drug discovery forward. Our X-ray crystallography services deliver accurate protein structures and protein-ligand complexes, supporting everything from early-stage research to fragment-based lead generation (FBLG). Every project is tailored to your goals, combining advanced technology with decades of expertise.

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D structural models of biomolecules, representing structural biology techniques for drug design, epitope mapping, and fragment screening

supporting your research

Crystallography is rarely a straight line, it’s an iterative process. Each stage can reveal new data that shapes the next step. For example, an expression test might uncover a degradation product, prompting us to look for a more stable, crystallizable region of the target protein.

When that happens, we confirm domain boundaries and reorder the gene to optimize results. To keep projects efficient and transparent, we break them into clear stages with Stop/Go decision points.

Graphic illustrating the iterative process of protein crystallography with Stop/Go decision points, showing sequential stages from expression testing to crystallization and structural optimization.

Protein Construct Design

We design constructs to give your protein the best chance to succeed from the start:

• Bioinformatics and modelling guide every decision

• Affinity tags simplify expression and purification while meeting end-use requirements

• Chimeras, mutations, truncations, deletions tailored to your project needs.

• IMPROvER software enhances membrane protein stability.

Crystallization

We combine precision and automation delivering an efficient process to maximize crystallization success:

Initial screening with commercial and in-house sparse matrix screens
Thermofluor screens to explore buffers, pH, additives, substrates, cofactors, ions
Co-crystallization with tool compounds when required
Fragment screening options available
Automated crystallization and imaging using:
- Dragonfly for screen optimization
- Mosquito ultra-low volume liquid handling to minimize protein use
- Formulatrix Rock Imager 1000 plate hotel
- Rockmaker data analysis
- CrystalShifter for efficient crystal harvesting

X-Ray Data Collection

We generate high-quality data at leading synchrotron facilities

• Access to third-generation light sources such as Diamond, ESRF, Soleil, and SLS

• Reserved data collection slots for predictable timelines

• Flexibility beamtime for accelerated turnaround when needed

Structure Determination

Our team applies proven methods to deliver accurate informative structures:

• Molecular Replacement or de novo phasing using Se-Met or SAD/MAD

• Multiple rounds of refinement for precision and reliability

Laboratory setup showing X-ray crystallography process for determining high-resolution protein structures.

Laboratory setup with automated crystallization equipment used for high-throughput screening and optimization of protein crystalsLaboratory setup with automated crystallization equipment used for high-throughput screening and optimization of protein crystals

Laboratory environment showing X-ray data collection equipment for generating high-quality protein structural data at synchrotron facilities

Hear From One of our Experts

Our talented crystallography team brings decades of experience in solving X-ray crystal structures over a wide range of different protein classes. Our proven expertise ranges from de-novo protein structure determination of challenging targets to delivering rapid turnaround protein-ligand complexes as well as managing X-ray based FBLG projects.