Note: Grid cork and septal cork syringe adapters: An effective tool for efficient greasing of 24-well crystallization trays.

Applying grease to seal the well surface of the crystallization plate through traditional approaches in the hanging drop vapor diffusion method is a laborious process and known to cause air bubble formation. Here we report a simple design of adapters to the regular syringes for applying grease to the 24-well crystallization tray. This newly developed tool overcomes the difficulties faced with the traditional greasing methods, such as uneven distribution and excess of grease on the wells. The use of new adapters expedites the process of greasing by 4-5 times which is quick and reliable and can be cost effective in terms of time and labor. In addition, this tool reduces the time and effort required for greasing the wells. Here we demonstrate two types of adaptors (grid cork and septal cork), and the effectiveness of both the adaptors was further corroborated by crystallization trials.