The effects of neutral detergents on the crystallization of soluble proteins

A number of protein and nucleic acid molecules were crystallized in the presence and the absence of the neutral detergent β-octyl glucoside (0.0–1.5%) from polyethylene glycol and ammonium sulfate. Our results, though in great part qualitative, support the contention that the growth of macromolecular crystals is influenced in a positive manner by the presence of detergent. In general, more reproducible and rapid growth was observed with a larger...