Femto- and attosecond serial crystallography -time-resolved studies of dynamics in biological systems

Serial Femtosecond X-ray nanocrystallography (SFX) is a recently developed technique for protein structure determination that is based on collection of X-ray diffraction from nano- and microcrystals using a free electron laser (FEL). SFX is especially valuable for challenging proteins as membrane proteins, because the time-consuming process of growing larger crystals can be avoided. In general structural analysis with the use of free electron X-ray laser is a powerful method to overcome the radiation damage problem and to perform time-resolved structure analysis. Recent results of studies on the membrane protein complex Photosystem II using time resolved SFX will form the basis for future time-resolved studies of biomolecules. Furthermore an introduction of the concept of attosecond serial crystallography, which is currently under development, and its potential advantages over SFX will be given. Its capability for new insights in the water oxidation process in Photosystem II and its value for structural and functionals analysis of biological processes in general will be discussed