> I'm surprised that a better re-sealing system has not been invented to > prevent evaporation from the blocks when they are stored. Companies that produce these screen want us to buy their screens as often as possible...
We use transparent plastic seals from Hampton Research. The aluminum foil appears to seal better, but when we peel it off, the sticky layer may remain on top of wells and plug needles of a dispenser (we use Phoenix). Covering a block with Saran Wrap in addition to the seal also reduces the evaporation. Finally, storing a screen block in a refrigerator also helps, but this often causes precipitation of some solutions. I would also like to learn about a better storage technique. The other problem that we have here is mold (fungi) growing in the screen solutions. Our entire building is contaminated with mold and the PEG screens often get fungi growing in them. Alex On Jun 14, 2011, at 2:18 PM, Brian Mark wrote: > Hi all, > > Considering the popularity of 96-well deep well block format for purchasing > and storing protein crystallization conditions, I'm surprised that a better > re-sealing system has not been invented to prevent evaporation from the > blocks when they are stored. We typically don't consume our blocks fast > enough to avoid this issue. There must be a better way to re-seal these > blocks other than using peel and stick foil tape over and over again... > > Would anyone like to share their optimal method for storing 96-wells blocks > that avoids (or a least minimizes) evaporation? > > Cheers, > > Brian Mark
