Basic Information About Cell Disruption

In many different industries and for many different reasons, the concept of cell disruption is an important process. Here is some basic information about cell disruption so you are equipped with all the general knowledge you need.

Introduction

First, it makes sense to describe the structure of a cell so you can visualize exactly what is being disrupted.

The Structure of a Cell

All cells have a plasma membrane, and that membrane is the only barrier between the contents of the cell and the environment, when you’re talking about animal cells.

When it comes to plant cells or bacteria, there is an extra cell wall that surrounds the plasma membrane, and this wall is rigid.

Cell disruption occurs easier in animal cells than it does in plant cells, because the plant cells have several cellulose layers that the animal cells don’t have. This makes the plant cells quite a bit stronger and more difficult to disrupt.

The Structure of a Cell

Cell disruption, which is also known as ‘bacteria cell lysis’ refers to an external force or condition breaking down the contents of a cell. Cell disruption can occur by natural or artificial means, but when it happens artificially, it’s usually because someone or some organization is conducting research.

What Is Cell Disruption?

After cell disruption has occurred, the leftover material that contains all of the contents of the destroyed cell is called the ‘lysate’. A substance that encourages cell disruption to happen is called a ‘lysin’.

General osmosis that happens inside the cells of plants and animals is one of the more common cell disruption methods in the natural world.

What Is Cell Disruption?

In a laboratory setting, there are several call disruption methods that may be used to get the job done. According to Bio Rad, here are some of the most common:

◦ Osmotic Lysis – the cells swell up and burst after being suspended in a hypotonic solution.

◦ Detergent Lysis – the cells are suspended in a solution containing a detergent to make the cell membrane soluble.

◦ Freeze / Thaw – the cells are frozen in liquid nitrogen and then thawed out.

Methods

◦ Enzymatic – the cells are suspended in a solution that contains enzymes, designed to digest the cell wall. Another cell disruption method usually follows this one for the best effect.

◦ Sonication – this is a harsher cell disruption method where the cells are subject to short bursts of ultrasonic waves.

◦ French Press – the cells are subject to shear force when they are forced through a small opening at high pressure.

Methods

Cell disruption is used in several different industries on a regular basis, and as part of the regular process. For many products, controlling the particle size and cell disruption is a crucial element in order to produce products that are safe and of high quality.

Industries

Here are some of the primary industries where cell disruption equipment is required, according to high shear processor maker, Microfluidics:◦ Pharmaceutical◦ Cosmetics◦ Biotechnology◦ Energy◦ Nutraceuticals & Food◦ Chemical

Industries

Cell disruption methods might be used in any of these industries in the lab as part of research, or as part of the manufacturing process to produce a finished product perfectly to spec.

Industries

Considering some of the industries that use cell disruption to create their products, the process is very important. Sending out food products or nutritional supplements or pharmaceutical drugs that have flaws is a sure way to lose customers and possibly a whole lot more.

In certain industries and with some products, there really is no room for error. Poor cell disruption methods can even affect criminal investigations, as it is a necessary part of the DNA extraction process.

Importance