The Japan Synchrotron Radiation Research Institute (JASRI) has launched the mail-in protein crystallography data collection service at BL 38B1 since 2009B. We hope that our service will contribute to your R&D efforts by offering the experimental results with the world's highest accuracy in X-ray structure analyses of biopolymers, which is indispensable for research and development of new drugs, unknown chemicals and environmental agents, etc. Interested applicants are encouraged to apply.

[Contents]

1. Service Overview
2. Beamline
3. Sample Preparation
4. Fees
5. Consultation/Contact

1. Service Overview

The staff of JASRI will perform measurements on protein crystal diffraction patterns using the SPring-8 beamline, BL38B1, on behalf of users. Therefore, users can choose whether to come to SPring-8 and be present during the measurements or to simply send or hand-deliver their samples to the SPring-8.

The service is intended to provide convenience for users who are not familiar with protein crystal structure analysis and experienced users wishing to obtain measurement data in a timely manner.

Application for the service is considered a proprietary proposal and is subject to proprietary beamtime fee and user fee applicable to proprietary Time-Designated Proposals. (See 4. Fees.)

We keep confidential any confidential information received or acquired during the course of the service; and you have no obligation to disclose your application details or research results. In addition, you/your organization is the sole and exclusive owner of the entire right, title and interest in and to the research results obtained through the use of the service and any resulting patent or other form of intellectual property.

We accept applications on an as-needed basis. For inquiries about the dates available for the service or for information about the processes and procedures, please contact the JASRI staff (see 5. Consultation/Contact).

2. Beamline

BL 38B1  Structural Biology III
For details about the facility, please visit the SPring-8 Structural Biology Group website.

3. Sample Preparation

3.1 Preparation
Samples must be prepared in advance in a special cryo-pin for measurements using SPACE (SPring-8 Precise Automatic Cryo-sample Exchanger). For instructions on how to prepare samples, click here.

To ship your samples from outside Japan, you need to be aware of regulations covering international shipping of chemicals. Please note that you need to go through all required steps (e.g. paperwork, customs procedures, etc.) required for entry of your samples to Japan at your own responsibility and expense: we cannot assist you with this.

If you have any questions or encounter any problems, contact the JASRI staff (see 5. Consultation/Contact).

3.2 Unacceptable Samples
The safety review is conducted based on the safety criteria of JASRI. We only accept biomacromolecular crystals and the following chemicals classified as Level 4 by JASRI (i.e. substances requiring the approval of the competent authority) are not accepted. If you wish to use heavy atom derivatives (incl. heavy metals), please contact the JASRI staff (see 5. Consultation/Contact).
- Specific substances regulated by the "Law on the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons and the Regulation of Specific Chemicals"
- Narcotic and psychotropic drugs regulated by the "Narcotics and Psychotropics Control Law"
- Stimulant drugs and ingredients of stimulant drugs regulated by "Stimulant Drug Control Law"
- Hemp and hemp products regulated by the "Cannabis Control Law"
- Opium, poppy or poppy straw regulated by the "Opium Law"
- Specified poisonous substances regulated by the "Poisonous and Deleterious Substances Control Law"
- Substances for which manufacturing is prohibited under the "Industrial Safety and Health Law"

4. Fees

Users are required to pay the following fees:

a) Beamtime Fee
Based on the measurement method and the number of samples/data sets, beamtime is allocated in increments of two hours. Please discuss beamtime calculations with the JASRI staff (see 5. Consultation/Contact) beforehand and agree on the number of required beamtime, for which proprietary beamtime fee for time-designated use is charged.

    Beamtime Fee: 180,000 yen/2 hours incl. tax

b) User Fees
Users are required to pay the fees to cover the costs of beamline maintenance/operation and consumables actually used (user fees). The user fees are composed of a fixed fee charged for wear and tear on the facility and a variable fee charged for liquid He, He gas, and the stockroom reagents, parts, and stationery.

    Fixed Fee: 2,575 yen/2 hours incl. tax
    Variable Fee: calculated based on the amount actually used for measurements

5. Consultation/Contact

To apply for this service, please first contact:
  Seiki Baba
  Structural Biology Group
  Research & Utilization Division
  Japan Synchrotron Radiation Research Institute (JASRI)
  1-1-1 Kouto, Sayo-cho, Sayo-gun
  Hyogo 679-5198 JAPAN
  Tel: +81-791-58-0833
  email: mail-in@spring8.or.jp