Effects of solvents on the crystal structure of cross-linked lysozyme crystals

Abstract

The effects of solvents on the structural stability of cross-linked lysozyme crystals were investigated by an immersion test using alkaline (0.1 M ammonia [NH3] and 0.1 M sodium hydroxide [NaOH]), acidic (0.1 M acetic acid [CH3COOH] and 0.1 M hydrochloric acid [HCl]) and organic (50% [v/v] and undiluted ethanol, acetone, 2-propanol and dimethyl sulfoxide [DMSO]) solvents. The morphology and lattice constants were monitored by optical microscopy and X-ray crystallography. The cross-linked crystals exhibited good stability against NH3, CH3COOH, HCl, ethanol, acetone and 2-propanol. However, samples preserved in DMSO and NaOH were severely degraded.