Desktop Minstrel™: Crystal imaging for protein crystallography

Designed to fit on a lab bench as well as into any budget, the Desktop Minstrel is a fully modular and expandable protein crystal imaging and analysis system. With its extensive list of options, the Desktop Minstrel can be configured to meet a broad range of budgetary and performance requirements, from low-throughput research applications to ultra-demanding, high-throughput, drug discovery programs. 

The Desktop Minstrel system automatically images crystallization experiments and links images with crystallization conditions. The data is captured in CrystalTrak™, a complete virtual crystallization laboratory, which provides a chemical and crystallization database, data analysis tools, and methods for easily designing optimization and initial crystallization screens. CrystalTrak provides a simple, yet powerful interface, for viewing images and conditions for evaluation and scoring. Additionally, CrystalTrak Web uses web browser technologies to provide remote viewing over the web or across other platforms such as Mac/OS or LINUX^®.

Using a high-resolution imaging system that can visualize hanging drop, sitting drop, microbatch, and free interface diffusion experiments across most commercially available plate types, the Desktop Minstrel facilitates scoring and reporting, as well as experimental design and project management. This cold room compatible system is modular and expandable with the addition of a 160-plate capacity Gallery™ 160 Plate Hotel. The Desktop Minstrel can provide unattended scheduled image acquisition, ensuring that no crystals are missed and providing an objective history of the experiment.

Desktop Minstrel offers a long list of features that make it the definitive benchtop crystal imaging system:

• Most SBS and Linbro footprint plate types supported
• Operational in temperatures ranging from 4 to 37°C
• Room humidity range: 10 - 80% RH non-condensing
• Bar code tracking
• Patent pending programmable illumination
• Automatic polarization
• Gentle plate handling
• Preloaded with all commercial crystallization screens and chemistry data
• Remote network or internet access to data via CrystalTrak or CrystalTrak Web
• Gallery 160 Plate Hotel option
• Upgradeable by design

Electrical and safety features

• CE Certified
• 100-240 VAC 50/60 Hz 360 VA

Physical parameters

• Weight 140 lb (63.5 kg)
• Unit height 31.8" (80.8 cm), depth 22" (55.9cm), width 21.6" (54.9 cm)