Effects of physical environments on nucleation of protein crystals: a review

Abstract:

This paper reviews the effects of physical environments (including light, electric field, ultrasound, magnetic field, microgravity, temperature, mechanical vibration, and heterogeneous nucleation interface) on protein crystal nucleation. The research results are summarized and the possible mechanisms of the effects are discussed. In the end of this review, the application prospects of these physical environments (including coupled environments) in protein crystallization are presented.