As of 2012, just under 10% of the U.S. population had diabetes; 1.25 million of those had Type 1 (T1DM), which as far as we know, cannot be prevented. (1) Investigators interested in the mechanism of T1DM development have identified intracellular molecules and pathways that may contribute to disease development, and which may also hold the key to its treatment. To access the involved molecules, researchers often turn to cell rupture techniques. Keep reading for specific ways to get a higher cell rupture yield in less time.
Select A Mechanical Mixing Method
Whether you want to use a mechanical or non-mechanical mixing method will depend largely on the cell type and product of interest. In many cases, however, cells have an impressively high resistance to breakage due to protective structures like the cell wall. Mechanical methods such as high pressure homogenization will therefore be more appropriate, as the pressure-based method is more effective at quickly and efficiently disrupting cell walls without destroying intracellular contents.
Raise Pressure
In a study conducted by Ahmad-Raus et. al., researchers were interested in finding out which high pressure homogenization conditions were most important to obtaining a high yield of intracellular contents. As compared with medium or low pressure, high pressure significantly increased the yield of a protein of interest from E. coli. In your own research, therefore, it is advisable to use high pressure to both obtain higher yield and save time that would be otherwise wasted on a less effective method. (2)
Decrease Number of Cycles
Be forewarned that this will not work with all homogenizers. Most homogenizers require 3-4 passes to achieve a uniform and completely treated product. However, some of the higher end homogenizers, such as those manufactured by BEE International, require only 1-2 passes for the same results. Ability to decrease the number of cycles will save both time and precious reagents.
BEE International: The Homogenizer Advantage
One way to implement the above tips is to consider the equipment you are using for your cell disruption technique. As the preferred method, high pressure homogenization will save you precious time while still achieving a high yield of intracellular contents. BEE International Technology manufactures high pressure homogenizers that are trusted by researchers and lab managers around the world. We deliver an array of key benefits- importantly, cell disruption- but also production of nano/micro emulsions and dispersions and lipids and suspensions. These can be used for products across the pharmaceutical, biotechnology, food, and chemical industries.
Read more about BEEI homogenizers for cell disruption or download our FREE eBook "7 Key Factors to Consider When Choosing A Cell Lysis Method" below:
