Photochemical Micromachining of Lysozyme Crystals

3D protein crystals as precursors to advanced materials? The work presented here demonstrates the feasibility of this. It is shown that lysozyme crystals infused with fluorescent surfactants can be etched (see Figure), drilled, and deposited via photochemical micromachining, opening up possibilities for the use of protein crystals and layers in catalysts, biosensors, or data storage devices.