About
In macromolecular crystallization workflows, efficient imaging is indispensable because the accuracy of crystal detection directly influences the success of subsequent structural analysis. The primary conventional techniques, visible light, ultraviolet (UV), and multi-fluorescence imaging (MFI), each offer distinct advantages but are hampered by inherent limitations. Visible light imaging yields high-resolution pictures but is often inadequate for identifying microcrystals. UV imaging effectively differentiates protein from salt crystals, yet prolonged exposure risks sample damage. Although MFI provides enhanced contrast via fluorescent labels, this comes at the cost of additional preparatory steps.
SONICC® (Second Order Nonlinear Imaging of Chiral Crystals) is an advanced modality that integrates Second Harmonic Generation (SHG) and Ultraviolet Two-Photon Excited Fluorescence (UV-TPEF) to address shortcomings in conventional crystal detection. Automated SONICC systems facilitate the detection of micro- and submicron crystals (<1 µm), revealing crystals obscured in turbid or opaque matrices such as lipidic cubic phase (LCP) or beneath precipitate layers—conditions where traditional imaging techniques are often ineffective.
This webinar offers an in-depth look at SONICC technology. Attend this webinar for a technical overview of SONICC, an analysis of its enhanced detection capabilities, and a discussion of its role in modern structural biology research.
When
December 5th 2025
Session 1
10:00 AM - 10:30 AM CET
(09:00 AM - 09:30 AM GMT)
Session 2
01:00 PM - 01:30 PM ET
(10:00 AM - 10:30 AM PT)
About the Speaker:
Hafsa Iftikhar is currently working at Formulatrix as an application scientist for protein crystallization. She received her Ph.D. in Biochemistry and Structural Biology with research focused on the Identification of new potential inhibitors targeting HCV and SARS-CoV-2. Before joining Formulatrix, she worked as a research fellow at Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research (HZI), Germany, and associate researcher at Lahore University of Management Sciences (LUMS), Pakistan.