High-throughput sample handling and data collection at synchrotrons: embedding the ESRF into the high-throughput gene-to-structure pipeline

An automatic data- collection system has been implemented and installed on seven insertion- device beamlines and a bending- magnet beamline at the ESRF ( European Synchrotron Radiation Facility) as part of the SPINE ( Structural Proteomics In Europe) development of an automated structure- determination pipeline. The system allows remote interaction with beamline- control systems and automatic sample mounting, alignment, characterization, data collection and processing. Reports of all actions taken are available for inspection via database modules and web services.