# Controlling crystallization and its absence: Proteins, colloids and patchy models Source: [Controlling crystallization and its absence: Proteins, colloids and patchy models]() Collection index: [llms.txt]() Data updated: 2025-10-24T21:48:11.012Z Authors: Jonathan P.K. Doye, Ard A. Louis, I-Chun Lin, Lucy R. Allen, Eva G. Noya, Alex W. Wilber, Hoong Chwan Kok, Rosie Lyus Published: 2007-01-04T11:12:58.000Z ## Abstract The ability to control the crystallization behaviour (including its absence) of particles, be they biomolecules such as globular proteins, inorganic colloids, nanoparticles, or metal atoms in an alloy, is of both fundamental and technological importance. Much can be learnt from the exquisite control that biological systems exert over the behaviour of proteins, where protein crystallization and aggregation are generally suppressed, but where in particular instances complex crystalline assemblies can be formed that have a functional purpose. We also explore the insights that can be obtained from computational modelling, focussing on the subtle interplay between the interparticle interactions, the preferred local order and the resulting crystallization kinetics. In particular, we highlight the role played by \`\`frustration'', where there is an incompatibility between the preferred local order and the global crystalline order, using examples from atomic glass formers and model anisotropic particles. ## Recorded benchmark results A research result applies to its stated dataset, split, metric and evaluation configuration. Compare like-for-like settings, preserve the metric's unit and direction, and distinguish paper-reported results from independent reproduction. The best result recorded here is not a claim of exhaustive, current global coverage. ## Original sources and implementation [Original paper]() [PDF]()