A flow simulation study of protein solution under magnetic forces.

We have developed a superconducting magnet system generating magnetic forces able to compensate gravity and suppress convection of diamagnetic protein solution from which protein crystals precipitate. A simulation model has been proposed to elucidate the motion of protein solutions and search for the optimal conditions of the crystal formation process. This model incorporates general, non-uniform magnetic forces as external forces, while the previous models involve only simple, uniform magnetic forces. The simulation results indicate that the vertical component can suppress the convection of protein solution, while the horizontal component induces minimal convection. We, therefore, need to take into account the both components when considering the formation of protein crystals under magnetic forces. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]