Celeroton Chopper for Synchrotron Beamline ID29 at ESRF

ESRF utilizes a chopper from Celeroton on the beamline ID29 for time-resolved studies in macromolecular crystallography (MX).

The European Synchrotron Radiation Facility (ESRF), located in Grenoble, France, is renowned for its state-of-the-art synchrotron light sources. Among its extensive array of beamlines, ID29 stands out as a highly specialized facility dedicated to advanced X-ray crystallography. ESRF utilizes a chopper from Celeroton on the beamline ID29 primarily for time-resolved studies in macromolecular crystallography (MX).

Purpose and Applications

MX is pivotal in determining the atomic and molecular structure of biological macromolecules, which includes proteins, nucleic acids, and large complexes. Understanding these structures is crucial for insights into biological function and for the development of new pharmaceuticals.

• Time-Resolved Experiments: The Celeroton chopper is essential for conducting time-resolved crystallography experiments. These studies are designed to capture the dynamics of macromolecular structures as they undergo various processes in real-time. By modulating the X-ray beam, the chopper allows for precise control over the timing and duration of the X-ray pulses, facilitating the observation of transient states and reaction intermediates in the microsecond time resolution.
• Synchronization: The Celeroton chopper helps synchronize the X-ray pulses with other experimental components, such as laser-induced reactions or fast mixing with active compounds. This synchronization is critical for capturing snapshots of macromolecular conformations at specific time points during a reaction, providing insights into the kinetics and mechanisms of biological processes.
• Improving Data Quality: By chopping the X-ray beam, the device reduces the heat load on the sample carrier, allows for fast sample replacement and minimizes radiation damage. This is particularly important for preserving the integrity of sensitive biological crystals during exposure to high-intensity X-rays. As a result, the chopper enhances the quality of the diffraction data collected.
• Enhancing Experimental Flexibility: The use of a Celeroton chopper allows for greater experimental flexibility on ID29. Researchers can customize the timing and frequency of the X-ray pulses to suit specific experimental needs, whether they are studying fast biochemical reactions or slower conformational changes in macromolecules.

Technical Specifications and Advantages

• High-Speed Operation: Celeroton choppers are known for their high rotational speeds, which can reach up to several hundred thousand revolutions per minute (RPM). This high-speed capability is crucial for generating the short X-ray pulses needed for time-resolved studies.
• Precision: The chopper’s precise control over the chopping frequency and timing ensures accurate synchronization with experimental triggers, which is essential for capturing detailed time-resolved data.
• Reliability: Celeroton’s advanced technology and engineering provide robust and reliable performance, which is critical for the demanding operational environment of a synchrotron beamline.

In summary, the Celeroton chopper on the ESRF’s beamline ID29 plays a pivotal role in enabling time-resolved macromolecular crystallography experiments. It enhances the ability to capture dynamic processes in biological macromolecules with high precision and minimal radiation damage, thereby advancing our understanding of biological mechanisms and aiding in drug discovery and other applications.