Exploring the complex map of insulin polymorphism: a novel crystalline form in the presence of m-cresol

In this study, the first crystal structure of a novel crystal form of human insulin bound to meta-cresol in an acidic environment is reported. The combination of single-crystal and powder X-ray diffraction crystallography led to the detection of a previously unknown monoclinic phase (P21). The structure was identified from the powder patterns and was solved using single-crystal diffraction data at 2.2 A resolution. The unit-cell parameters at pH 6.1 are a = 47.66, b = 70.36, c = 84.75 A, beta = 105.21 degrees . The structure consists of two insulin hexamers per asymmetric unit. The potential use of this insulin form in microcrystalline drugs is discussed.