SiLibeads® glass and ceramic beads – Cell disruption/ Cell lysis

Cell disruption:
Isolation of cell components in biopharmaceutical processes. Cell disruption refers to the general breakdown of cells to release their contents, which can include various types of cell material, spores, and tissues from animals or plants. Methods can be mechanical, chemical, enzymatic, or physical. Bead beating is one common mechanical method (described below) that is widely used in biopharmaceutical production.

Cell lysis:
Cell lysis is a specific type of cell disruption that involves breaking down the cell membrane to release intracellular contents such as proteins and organelles. This can be achieved through chemical, enzymatic, or osmotic mechanisms. Unlike general cell disruption, cell lysis focuses on “dissolving” or “disintegrating” the outer boundary of the cell, often leaving internal structures intact for further analysis.

Bead beating:
A common mechanical method for cell disruption uses glass, ceramic or steel beads ranging in size from 0.1 mm to 6.0 mm, mixed with a sample suspended in an aqueous medium. The method is known as ‘bead beating’. The beads collide with the sample material through movement, stirring or shaking, opening the cells to release intercellular components. The components range from various types of cell material to spores, as well as animal and plant tissues. The advantages of this method lie in the breaking up of small sample sizes and the high number of samples that can be processed simultaneously. The ‘bead beating’ process depends on the machine, its parameters and the correct selection of bead material and size. Various bead beating machines are available on the market and generate speeds of 2,000 to 20,000 vibrations per minute. High-quality beads are required to prevent contamination of the broken-down products due to increased wear or broken beads.

• Minimal wear: Guarantees contamination-free grinding.
• Excellent stability: High mechanical stability even after sterilisation.
• Chemical resistance: Suitable for use in aggressive pharmaceutical environments.
• Pharmaceutical-specific documentation: All relevant certificates and documentation for pharmaceutical use are available.
• Autoclavable: Sterilisation possible without impairing mechanical properties.