Year: 2026
Type: preprint
Abstract: Laser-driven X-ray sources offer a compact route towards laboratory-scale ultrafast structural dynamics. However, due to the low photon flux available from laboratory-scale sources, and the weak diffraction signal from biological specimens, their application to such samples remains challenging. Here, we demonstrate X-ray diffraction from Z-DNA crystals using a laser-driven Cu K α source ( λ = 1.54 Å). Crystals were grown either directly in a custom-designed sample holder, which preserved the hydrated crystallisation environment and allowed in situ diffraction measurements, or using the hanging-drop vapour-diffusion method, followed by loop mounting for diffraction measurements. Well-defined Bragg reflections extending to approximately 2.5 Å resolution were recorded in 1–3 min exposures at a photon flux of approximately 2.2 × 10 5 photons s −1 at the sample. The acquisition time and diffraction quality compare favourably with earlier demonstrations of macromolecular crystal diffraction using laser-driven X-ray sources. These results demonstrate the potential of modern compact laser-driven X-ray sources for structural studies of macromolecular crystals and provide a basis for their future application to laboratory-scale time-resolved crystallography. Synopsis Bragg diffraction to approximately 2.5 Å was recorded in 1–3 min exposures from hydrated Z-DNA crystals using a laser-driven Cu K α X-ray source, both for crystals grown in situ in a custom holder and for loop-mounted crystals. This is a step towards complete data collection and time-resolved crystallography of macromolecules with compact laser-driven sources.
Language: English
Subfield: Structural Biology
Domain: Life Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W7223176635