Cell lysis is not just a simple and natural process. Conversely, it is both intentional and complex, and critical to researchers involved in a variety of industries. As a researcher, you are probably all-too-familiar with cell lysis and the need for pure lysates. Keep reading for factors that you can adjust to improve the quality of your cell lysate. (1)
- Cell Type
Regardless of your end goal, if you are lysing cells you are likely looking to extract intracellular contents. However, some cell types lend themselves easier to this process than others. Fungi, yeast, and bacterial have tough cell walls that must first be penetrated; these will therefore confer additional steps compared to an animal cell, whose easy-to-penetrate cell membrane is the only barrier between you and its intracellular contents.
- Disruption Method
Scientists have the option of using either non-mechanical or mechanical methods of cell disruption. Non-mechanical methods include enzymes, beads, sonication, and detergents; these are advantageous in that they typically require less equipment and only simple reagents. However, non-mechanical methods are best for small sample sizes, and would likely be overwhelmed with a larger sample size. In contrast, mechanical methods such as rotor-stator and valve-type processors, have in common the use of high pressure and better ability to handle large sample sizes. Your laboratory’s specific lysate and product needs will dictate whether a mechanical or non-mechanical method is the best fit.
- Sample Size
Interestingly, using a sample size that doesn’t match the method can be one of the most significant errors you make. Small sample sizes, commonly used for R&D and independent research, can easily produce a pure intracellular product. However, a larger sample size may pose difficulty in terms of reproducibility and purity of product, particularly when using non-mechanical methods of cell lysis. Homogenization is one of the only methods that achieve a uniform and pure product for both small and large sample sizes.
Pion: Cell Lysis Homogenizers
Use of a homogenizer to lyse your samples will provide numerous benefits, some of which were touched on above. And there are plenty of homogenizers on the market to choose from. However, the lysate can be of higher quality and more even consistency when run through a top-shelf homogenizer. Pion's BEE brand technologies are trusted by researchers around the world for both their laboratory homogenizers and their associated customer support. Cell lysis is just one of a variety of applications for Pion homogenizers; nano/micro emulsions, lipids, suspensions, and dispersions are also easily achievable. Additionally, the homogenizer processes can be controlled to suit your product, which will allow you to customize to your cell type. And finally, the equipment is easy to use, produces higher yield in less time, and achieves results that are reproducible and scalable.
Learn about how to make your cell lysis protocol more effective by checking out BEE's high pressure homogenizer equipment.
