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Diamond provides a range of techniques for academic and industrial researchers studying the machines of life. As one of those techniques, Macromolecular Crystallography (MX) reveals the shape and arrangement of biological molecules at atomic resolution, knowledge of which provides a highly accurate insight into function. This can be combined with complementary information from many other techniques available at Diamond alongside lab based investigations to reveal the broader picture of molecular interactions and their effects..
Small Angle X-ray Scattering (SAXS) covers the major disciplines of Biology, Chemistry and Physics delivering structural and dynamic information in nanoscience, mesoscopic architectures, supramolecular structures and nucleation/growth of crystals. SAXS is also proving important in archaeological, environmental and conservation sciences, indicating an ability to span a wide range of scientific disciplines.
B21 is a dedicated solution‑state Small‑Angle X‑ray Scattering (SAXS) beamline, designed to support a wide range of aqueous samples, with limited capability for compatible organic solvent systems. The beamline uses a bending‑magnet source and delivers approximately 3 × 10¹² photons per second at the sample position. The X‑ray beam is spread over a large 0.8 × 2 mm² cross‑section, helping to minimise radiation damage while improving signal quality for dilute or radiation‑sensitive samples.
The detector configuration provides access to a scattering vector (q) range of approximately 0.003–0.38 Å⁻¹, enabling measurements across a broad range of length scales relevant to biological macromolecules in solution.
The B21 end‑station supports fully automated data collection from 96‑well plates using the BIOSAXS sample‑changing robot (developed by EMBL Grenoble). In addition, size‑exclusion chromatography‑coupled SAXS (SEC‑SAXS) is available, using either Superdex or Shodex columns operated via an Agilent HPLC system.
All SAXS measurements are performed in a temperature‑controlled capillary, ensuring stable and reproducible experimental conditions.
The Macromolecular Crystallography (MX) group at Diamond offers access to seven dedicated beamlines, covering a broad range of X‑ray wavelengths, beam sizes and fluxes to support a wide variety of experimental requirements.
The available techniques span from conventional cryo‑rotation crystallography to serial crystallography and in situ experiments, enabling studies across many sample types and scientific questions.
In addition, a number of complementary techniques (e.g., micro-spectrophotometry, humidity control) are available on demand.
Further information on MX beamlines, capabilities and access is available at www.dls.mx.
Harwell Science & Innovation Campus
OX11 0DE, Didcot
United Kingdom
