Abstract: A method of determining laser parameters for lysing cells involves exposing cells from a sub-sample of a sample to laser light. At least one parameter of the laser is varied, and damage to intracellular molecules of sub-samples of the sample at such varied parameters is measured. At least one parameter is determined based on the measured damage. In one embodiment, the laser parameters comprise power, wavelength and duration. A microchannel system provides a transport mechanism for cells to be lysed. The microchannel system is combined with a laser to lyse cells while they are being transported. The laser is disposed within a trench to expose the cells in the channels in one embodiment. In still further embodiments, the laser is integrated into a semiconductor substrate in which the channels are formed.

Abstract: A method of determining laser parameters for lysing cells involves exposing cells from a sub-sample of a sample to laser light. At least one parameter of the laser is varied, and damage to intracellular molecules of sub-samples of the sample at such varied parameters is measured. At least one parameter is determined based on the measured damage. In one embodiment, the laser parameters comprise power, wavelength and duration. A microchannel system provides a transport mechanism for cells to be lysed. The microchannel system is combined with a laser to lyse cells while they are being transported. The laser is disposed within a trench to expose the cells in the channels in one embodiment. In still further embodiments, the laser is integrated into a semiconductor substrate in which the channels are formed.