Mechanical/physical methods of cell disruption and tissue homogenization

This chapter covers the various methods of mechanical cell disruption and tissue homogenization that are currently commercially available for processing minute samples (<1 ml) to larger production quantities. These mechanical methods of lysing do not introduce chemicals or enzymes to the system. However, the energies needed when using these "harsh" methods can be high and destroy the very proteins being sought. The destruction of cell membranes and walls is effected by subjecting the cells (1) to shearing by liquid flow, (2) to exploding by pressure differences between inside and outside of cell, (3) to collision forces by impact of beads or paddles, or (4) a combination of these forces. Practical suggestions to optimize each method, where to acquire such equipment, and links to reference sources are included.