Hampton Research Crystal Probe with Cover 0.12 x 30 mm Pack of 12 Probes

Hampton Research HR4-217 Crystal Probe – 0.12 mm x 30 mm, Stainless Steel

The Hampton Research HR4-217 is a high-precision micro-tool designed for the sensitive manipulation and harvesting of protein and small molecule crystals. Featuring a 0.12 mm diameter stainless steel needle with a 30 mm length, this probe provides the ideal balance of rigidity and tactile feedback required to dislodge crystals from the growth surface or manipulate them within the drop. The stainless steel construction ensures chemical resistance to common crystallization reagents and buffers, while the ultra-fine tip allows for interaction with even the smallest crystals under a microscope. Each probe is supplied with a protective cover to maintain the integrity of the delicate tip when not in use, making it an essential instrument for X-ray crystallography and structural biology laboratories.

Technical Performance and Design

• Ultra-Fine 0.12 mm Diameter: The micro-scale diameter is specifically designed to minimize surface tension interference when entering a drop, allowing for the precise movement of crystals without causing excessive turbulence.

• 30 mm Working Length: Provides the necessary reach to access the bottom of deep-well plates or narrow crystallization vessels while maintaining a stable, hand-held grip.

• High-Quality Stainless Steel: Offers superior durability and corrosion resistance, ensuring that the probe can be cleaned and reused across multiple crystallization trials without degradation.

• Protective Safety Cover: Includes a fitted cover that protects the micro-tip from bending or dulling during storage, ensuring the tool is always ready for precision work.

Product Specifications

• Catalog Number: HR4-217

• Material: Stainless Steel

• Probe Diameter: 0.12 mm

• Probe Length: 30 mm

• Handle Type: Compatible with standard micro-tool holders or for manual use

• Protective Element: Included Cover

Key Benefits & Applications

• Protein Crystallography: The primary tool for dislodging crystals from the "skin" of a drop or the surface of a sitting-drop pedestal prior to cryo-loop harvesting.

• Crystal Seeding: Used to "streak" or transfer micro-crystals from a mother drop into a new trial to initiate controlled crystal growth (streak seeding).

• Sample Cleaning: Allows researchers to gently clear away precipitate or skin from around a high-quality crystal to ensure a clean diffraction pattern.

• Tactile Sensitivity: The thin gauge of the stainless steel provides excellent "feel," allowing the researcher to sense the resistance of the crystal and avoid applying excessive force that could cause fracturing.

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