840A: BioVault
Introducing the 840A BioVault, a sealed and portable chamber designed to simplify small angle x-ray diffraction (SAXD) experiments!
In partnership with Accelerated Muscle Biotechnologies (AMB), the BioVault enables straightforward attachment of biological samples at fixed length in advance of x-ray diffraction experiments using built-in tissue holders. By enabling the researcher to dissect, mount and seal permeabilized muscle tissues inside the portable cassette, samples from BSL-1 or BSL-2 facilities can be transported across the room, facility or even the globe without making contact with the tissue. A novel design for integrated solution exchange enables the tissue to be stored and frozen in glycerol, transported to a beamline, and then easily swapped out with mechanics solution.
Each tissue holder has a locking mechanism to ensure the tissue stays at the desired length, which is imperative to maintain tissue integrity and eliminate slackening. Coupled to one of the tissues holders is a micromanipulator which permits adjustment of tissue length during experiments. In addition, the chamber design ensures the solution volume between the tissue and the window is minimized in order to limit x-ray scattering and optimize the beam path. Furthermore, a standard docking station at each beamline ensures optimal alignment within the beamline and enables automated sample loading with a computerized arm to reduce interruptions.
With limited synchotron beamline access availability around the world, the BioVault minimizes downtime, increases throughput and lowers the barrier of entry to small angle x-ray diffraction experiments.
Stories of Success
840A – Optimizing Small-Angle X-Ray Diffraction of Single Permeabilized Fibers
CHALLENGE
X-ray diffraction assays for single fibres have been used by researchers for many years to gain insight into the molecular and conformational changes of the myofibrillar proteins in muscle during contraction and relaxation. Specialized facilities exist at various x-ray beamlines around the world to accommodate physiological tissue; however, demand continues to grow putting strain on availability. Our partners at AMB are acting simultaneously as consultants and advocates for the x-ray technique but their expertise alone cannot solve this bottle neck.
There exist rigorous safety protocols around ensuring researchers are safely free of the beam before it turns on, and most facilities have biohazard quarantine protocols which necessitate fibre/dissection sample handling in a separate part of the facility. Rules differ between various beamlines and facilities which can be confusing to navigate. All these factors put a strain on a researchers ability to maximize precious time testing samples.
SOLUTION
The experts at AMB, Anthony Hessel and Khoi Nguyen had an idea; what if there was a way to construct a chamber which was sealed such that samples could be prepared in advance of the x-ray session and switching between storage and activation media could be enabled or simplified. After several meetings with Aurora Scientific engineers, the AMB idea evolved from an initial prototype into the present BioVault. Optimized, scalable and easy to use and store. The locking and tissue length adjusting mechanism was also refined, giving researchers peace of mind to be able to ship their samples without sacrificing tissue integrity.
RESULTS
The new updated BioVault has been tested and validated at various beamlines around the world, and performed with flying colours. We are proud to play a small part in making these x-ray measurements more accessible to researchers, and to help improve the throughput during precious beam time. Aurora stands ready to further expand on the BioVault platform permitting force measurement and active pacing of tissue.
Select References
- DeWinter, Josine M. et al. “Troponin activator augments muscle force in nemaline myopathy patients with nebulin mutations.” Journal of Medical Genetics (2013) DOI: 10.1136/jmedgenet-2012-101470
- van der Pijl et al. “Titin-based mechanosensing modulates muscle hypertrophy” Journal of Cachexia, Sarcopenia and Muscle (2018) DOI: 10.1002/jcsm.12319
- Bennett et al. “RNA helicase, DDX27 regulates skeletal muscle growth and regeneration by modulation of translational processes” PLoS Genetics (2018) DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1007226
- Garibaldi et al. “Novel ACTA1 mutation causes late-presenting nemaline myopathy with unusual dark cores” Neuromuscular Disorders (2021) DOI: 10.1016/j.nmd.2020.11.012
- Chung et al. “Myocardial relaxation is accelerated by fast stretch, not reduced afterload” Journal of Molecular and Cellular Cardiology (2017) DOI: 10.1016/j.yjmcc.2017.01.004
- Lee et al. “Mechanical Properties of Single Muscle Fibers: Understanding Poor Muscle Quality in Older Adults with Diabetes” Annals of Geriatric Medicine and Research (2020) DOI: 10.4235/agmr.20.0078
- Weidner at al. “Impact of lengthening velocity on the generation of eccentric force by slow-twitch muscle fibers in long stretches” Pflügers Archiv - European Journal of Physiology (2024) DOI: 10.1007/s00424-024-02991-4
- Hessel et al. “Fast myosin binding protein C knockout in skeletal muscle alters length-dependent activation and myofilament structure” Communications biology (2024) DOI: 10.1038/s42003-024-06265-8
- Davis, Jonathan P. et al. “Effects of thin and thick filament proteins on calcium binding and exchange with cardiac troponin C.” Biophysical Journal (2007) DOI: 10.1529/biophysj.106.095406
- Manders, Emmy et al. “Diaphragm weakness in pulmonary arterial hypertension: role of sarcomeric dysfunction.” American Journal of Physiology-Lung Cellular and Molecular Physiology (2012) DOI: 10.1152/ajplung.00135.2012
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| General Specifications | 840A |
|---|---|
| Aperture Clamp Screw Torque [N-m] | 1.1 |
| Temperature Range [°C] | -80 to 40 |
| Maximum Gauge Pressure [kPa] | 95 |
| Micrometer Range [mm] | 13 |
| Aperture Diameter [mm] | 30 |
| Internal Volume [mL] | 5 |
| Weight [kg] | 0.5 |
| Dimensions [cm] | 10W x 20L x 2H |