Automated cell-free protein production methods for structural studies

Abstract

In contrast to cell-based protein expression, cell-free production is highly consistent, scalable, and amenable to automation. Robots can handle many samples and perform repetitive procedures that are otherwise prone to human error. Here is described commercially available robotics for a wheat germ cell-free system with emphasis on practical applications for structural and functional studies. In addition, described is a cell-free method for preparing protein complexes.