In Situ Observation of Crystal Growth Processes

In situ observation is a powerful method for a deeper understanding of the fundamentals of crystal growth. In this review, we introduce recent advancements in protein crystallization and colloidal crystallization. From the advancement rates of molecular steps on the growth interface of highly purified protein crystals, we have calculated the vibration frequency of protein molecules adsorbed on the crystal surface for the first time. This was conducted in situ as a part of the international space station experiments under microgravity conditions. We also observed in situ the growth interface of colloidal crystals formed with depletion attractive interactions between polystyrene particles. We successfully measured the “peeling off” processes induced by the adsorption of a particle from bulk solution on a particle on a step edge of the growth interface for the first time.