Apparatus and method for cell disruption

Abstract

An apparatus for disrupting cells or viruses comprises a container having a chamber for holding the cells or viruses. The container includes at least one flexible wall defining the chamber. The apparatus also includes a transducer for impacting an external surface of the flexible wall to generate pressure waves in the chamber. The apparatus also includes a pressure source for increasing the pressure in the chamber. The pressurization of the chamber ensures effective coupling between the transducer and the flexible wall. The apparatus may also include beads in the chamber for rupturing the cells or viruses.

1 - 82 . (canceled)  
     
     
         83 . A micro-sonicator for spore or cell lysis comprising: 
 a container having a cavity therein adapted to contain spore or cell samples,    a quantity of ultrasonic transmission media in said cavity,    at least a membrane positioned to cover said cavity,    piezoelectric material positioned on said membrane, and    means for causing flexing of said piezoelectric material and vibration of said membrane thereby causing ultrasonic excitation of the transmission media adapted to cause lysis of spore or cell samples in said cavity.    
     
     
         84 . In a micro-fluidic system, the improvement comprising: 
 a micro-sonicator for spore and cell lysis using ultrasonic excitation of the spore or cell, said micro-sonicator including a container having a cavity therein and containing ultrasonic transmission media, a membrane positioned over said cavity, and means for causing vibration of said membrane producing ultrasonic excitation of spore or cell located in said cavity.    
     
     
         85 . A device for spore or cell lysis comprising: 
 a container having a chamber for holding spore or cell samples,    a quantity of ultrasonic transmission media in said chamber,    a membrane forming at least one wall of the chamber, and    an ultrasonic transducer in contact with said membrane for transmitting ultrasonic waves to the chamber.