Cell Disruption Chamber, Mini-Bomb

Elm Scientific Pty Ltd - Cell Disruption Without Heat Build-up From Friction

The KONTES mini-bomb cell disruption chamber processes samples ranging in size from 1 to 15 mL. Cells are disrupted with this apparatus through the sudden depressurization of cell suspensions.

First, the mini-bomb is loaded with 1 to 15 mL of a cell suspension. Next, it is pressurized with air, nitrogen or carbon dioxide. After the cells have equilibrated, the pressure is released and the cells rupture. The result is a uniform homogenate of whole cells and sub-cellular components.

To avoid aerosols generated in this process, the gas escaping from the mini-bomb during decompression should be directed into a gas washing bottle. The gas washing bottle should contain an acidic solution.

This method of cell disruption eliminates the heat build-up associated with mechanical and ultrasonic cell disruption. The cells are actually cooled by the expanding gas. Pressure and equilibration time can be varied to control the extent of cellular disruption.

For example, a short treatment at moderate pressure will rupture the outer cell membranes leaving the nuclei intact. After separating these fractions a second treatment can be used to rupture the nuclei.