Abstract: A cartridge for separating a desired analyte from a fluid sample has a sample flow path and a lysing chamber in the sample flow path. The lysing chamber contains at least one filter for capturing cells or viruses from the sample as the sample flows through the lysing chamber. Beads are also disposed in the lysing chamber for rupturing the cells or viruses to release the analyte therefrom. An analyte flow path extends from the lysing chamber and diverges from the sample flow path. The analyte flow path preferably leads to a reaction chamber for chemically reacting and optically detecting the analyte. The cartridge also includes at least one flow controller (e.g., valves) for directing the sample into the waste chamber after the sample flows through the lysing chamber and for directing the analyte separated from the sample into the analyte flow path.

Abstract: The invention provides a process for protecting whole eukaryotes or parts thereof from an invasive attack from an invasive agent which comprises, selecting a prokaryotic bacterium which is capable of forming an L-form association with a host eukaryote and introducing an L-form bacteria into said host, wherein the bacteria is also selected to be antagonistic to the invasive agent. This process allows the protection of plants and plant parts against invasive organisms with which they have not already had contact.

Abstract: A device for lysing components (e.g., cells, spores, or microorganisms) of a fluid sample comprises a cartridge having a lysing chamber for receiving the sample and having at least one solid phase in the lysing chamber for capturing the sample components to be lysed. An ultrasonic transducer is coupled to a wall of the lysing chamber to transfer ultrasonic energy to the captured sample components.

Abstract: A process and system for electrical extraction of intracellular matter from biological matter, and intracellular matter products formed thereby, based on preparing a mixture of biological matter featuring cells, and an electro-conductive liquid, and electrifying the mixture by transmitting controlled cycles of pulses and pauses of electrical current into the mixture by using electrodes, whereby the pulses of electrical current pierce holes into or perforate the cell membranes of the cells, enabling the release of intracellular matter for collecting and separating into target intracellular matter extract and solid waste. Pauses included in each cycle of transmitting pulses of electrical current enable firm control of electrical extraction processing conditions, including extent of extraction, temperature effects, and pressure effects, during the electrical extraction process.

Abstract: A high throughput device is provided for simultaneously isolating periplasmic fractions from multiple samples of host cells. The device can be formatted to operate in a series. A method for simultaneously isolating multiple periplasmic fractions is also provided. The method includes (a) providing a high throughput device for isolating periplasmic fractions from multiple samples of host cells having an outer membrane via attaching a removable sample chamber having a membrane chamber wall to a vacuum chamber and applying a vacuum thereto (b) removing media with the vacuum and (c) removing the outer membrane of the host cells (d) attaching a collection chamber to the vacuum chamber and applying a vacuum thereto in order to carry out a collection of the periplasmic fractions that pass through the membrane of the chamber wall from the host cells.

Abstract: A process for the isolation and purification of nucleic acids and/or oligonucleotides for use in gene therapy wherein said nucleic acids and/or oligonucleotides are isolated or purified from an essentially biological source, characterized in that said essentially biological sources are lysed, the fractions obtained are optionally freed or depleted from the remainder of said biological sources by per se known mechanical methods, such as centrifugation, filtration; the fractions thus treated are subsequently treated with affinity chromatographic material or with inorganic chromatographic material for the removal of endotoxins; followed by isolation of said nucleic acids and/or oligonucleotides on an anion exchanger which is designed such that DNA begins to desorb from the anion exchanger only at an ionic strength corresponding to a sodium chloride solution of a concentration higher by at least 100 mM than one corresponding to the ionic strength at which RNA begins to desorb from the anion exchanger material.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a DNA construct exhibiting &bgr;-1,3-glucanase activity, which DNA sequence comprises: a) the DNA sequence shown in SEQ ID No. 1 or SEQ ID No. 12, or b) an analogue of the DNA sequence defined in a), which i) is homologous with the DNA sequence defined in a), or ii) hybridizes with the same oligonucleotide probe as the DNA sequence defined in a), or iii) encodes a polypeptide which is homologous with the polypeptide encoded by a DNA sequence comprising the DNA sequence defined in a), or iv) encodes a polypeptide which is immunologically reactive with an antibody raised against the purified &bgr;-1,3-glucanase derived from Oerksovia xanthineolytica LLG109 encoded by the DNA sequence defined in a). The DNA construct may further encode a mannose binding domain. The invention also relates to a DNA construct encoding a mannose binding domain.

Abstract: A filtration process for the preparation of nucleic acids from natural sources is disclosed. The sources containing nucleic acids are lysed; the lysate is left to rest for some time; the resulting lysate passes a filter layer. The filter layer is selected from silica gel, aluminum oxide or packed diatomaceous earth, or interwoven or cemented non-wovens of glass fibers and silica gel. Other filter layers include cellulose, paper, compressed paper, and paper non-wovens. The fraction leaving the filter layer is then collected and the nucleic acid is subsequently isolated and purified from the collected fraction. Furthermore, the filter layer has not been modified with anion exchange groups.

Abstract: The invention is a method of detecting nucleic acids in a sample using oligonucleotide probes which are noncovalently bound to solid supports for rapid, sensitive, hybridization assays. The method involves coating the support surface with a polynucleotide and then hybridizing a specific capture probe for each analyte to the polynucleotide by way of a short tail of the complementary polynucleotide. The immobilized probes are used to capture nucleic acid targets out of complex specimens for nonisotopic detection without the need for prior cell culture or purification of the target nucleic acids. A panel of tests can be run on each specimen simultaneously, a format that conserves precious samples. The assay can be readily automated, and can be conveniently run in a manual fashion on large numbers of samples in two to three hours.

Abstract: Novel synthetic lytic and proliferative peptides were designed and constructed to encompass the structural features associated with lytic and proliferative activity. These compounds, along with the human &bgr; fibrin signal peptide share structural and functional properties of the known lytic peptides. These peptides are effective agents in the treatment of microbial infections including gram negative and gram positive bacteria, fungus, virus, yeast, and protozoa, in the lysis of cancer cells, and in the proliferation of fibroblasts and lymphocytes. Additional functions include synergy and use as general adjuvants and in the enhancement of wound healing.

Abstract: A cosmetic preparation contains peptide derivatives from &agr;-MSH, as well as other active components. A cosmetic product has the property of activating the melanogenesis and being an anti-inflammatory and acting more efficiently. The synergetically active preparation also includes a combination of a peptide derivative corresponding to the formula (Lip)X-His-Phe-Arg-Y in a ratio of 0.05 mg to 2.5 mg of a pure peptide derivative per kg of the total mass, while the peptide derivative is mixed with xanthine in a ratio of 0.5 to 2 mol per 100 mol of peptide. Also there is at least 0.5 wt % of a mixture of enzymes and vitamins, containing at least 150 U/ml of superoxide dismutase. Also present are auxiliary agents and carrier agents in a ratio of 65 to 99.5 wt %, and possibly other active components.

Abstract: The present invention describes compositions and methods for releasing nucleic acids from cells in a form that is suitable for labeling/capture, amplification, or detection in a single reagent addition step. The compositions include a lipid, membrane fluidizing compound, enzyme for degrading cell structure, metal chelators, or one or more nucleic acid probes or primers complementary to the nucleic acid to be detected. The compositions are non-denaturing and non-inhibitory of enzymes or proteins that are used in nucleic acid release, amplification, labeling or detection. The invention also provides kits for performing the above methods.

Abstract: The invention provides methods and compositions for selectively isolating total bacterial mRNA. The general method comprises contacting a bacterial lysate comprising total bacterial mRNA and nonisolated bacterial polysomes with an exogenous enzyme under conditions wherein the enzyme selectively modifies the mRNA to form modified mRNA, and isolating the modified mRNA. In particular embodiments, the enzyme is selected from a poly(A) polymerase, a RNA ligase and a terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase. Depending on the enzyme, the modified mRNA may have any of a variety of modifications, such as a 3′ tail, particularly a poly(A) tail, a specific sequence tag, a detectably labeled nucleotide, etc.

Abstract: The invention describes a method for the isolation of components from samples, particularly large molecular weight DNA from biological samples. The method involves the application of controlled oscillatory mechanical energy to the sample for short periods of time of about 5 to 60 seconds to lyse the sample and release the component(s) from the sample, followed by standard isolation methods. In preferred embodiments, the method includes the use of a spherical particle for applying the mechanical energy.

Abstract: A method is described for purifying plasmid DNA from a mixture containing plasmid DNA and genomic DNA. A solution containing both plasmid DNA and genomic DNA is treated with at least 80% by weight saturation ammonium sulfate, thereby precipitating the genomic DNA and providing purified plasmid DNA in solution. Genomic DNA levels in the purified plasmid DNA product are less than 1% by weight based on the plasmid DNA. The purified plasmid DNA is suitable for use in humans.

Abstract: A method for inhibiting the growth of microorganisms in an aqueous medium comprises contacting the aqueous medium with a permeable body comprising material which interacts with the microorganisms. Such interaction involves a change in the chemical structure of the material resulting from the action of one or more of the microorganisms. The permeable body may take the form of a permeable bag containing plant fibers and may be used for the treatment of photoprocessor wash waters.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for reducing the amount of substances inhibitory to nucleic acid hybridization in samples. The method is practiced prior to release of target nucleic acid from cells of interest and involves contacting the sample with an agent which solubilizes the inhibitory substances and does not effectuate release of nucleic acids from cells in the sample, and then the cells from the agent.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for the large scale isolation and purification of plasmid DNA from large scale microbial fermentations. The process exploits a rapid heating method to induce cell lysis and precipitate genomic DNA, proteins and other debris while keeping the plasmid in solution. Suspending the microbial cells in buffer and then heating the suspension to about 70-100° C. in a flow-through heat exchanger results in excellent lysis. Continuous flow or batch-wise centrifugation of the lysate effects a pellet that contains the cell debris, protein and most of the genomic DNA while the plasmid remains in the supernatant. This invention offers a number of advantages including higher product recovery than by chemical lyses, inactivation of Dnases, operational simplicity and scaleability.

Abstract: A method is provided for purifying from cells a target compound such as nucleic acid. The method comprises the following steps: 1) lysing a cell suspension to form a cell lysate containing the target compound; 2) applying the cell lysate to a filter to remove unwanted cells and cell debris; 3) contacting the filtered lysate with a solid phase matrix under conditions to bind the nucleic acid to the matrix; 4) separating the resultant filtered lysate from the matrix; and 5) eluting the target compound from the matrix. Apparatus is also provided. Complex purification procedures such as centrifugation are avoided.

Abstract: Purified, host-specific, non-toxic, wide host range and virulent bacteriophage preparations that are effective in killing bacterial organisms in vivo are disclosed. Also disclosed are compositions containing these bacteriophages, methods of making the bacteriophage preparations and methods of treating bacterial infections using the compositions. Methods of treating bacterial infections using the compositions containing the bacteriophages in combination with conventional antibiotics also are disclosed.

Abstract: Useful ingredients are extracted from a mycelium-containing culture medium by the steps of inoculating basidiomycetes in a solid culture medium containing bagasse as a substrate and proliferating mycelium, and then squeezing the solid culture medium containing proliferated mycelium to obtain a squeeze liquid (i), separately, adding water and beta 1,3, glucanase and at least one enzyme selected from the group consisting of chitinase, cellulase and protease to a mycelium-containing solid residue having been separated from the squeeze liquid (i), stirring the resulting mixture with maintaining the mixture at 30 to 60.degree.0 C. to lyse mycelial cell walls, and heating the resulting cell wall lysis product-containing liquid (ii) up to a temperature of 95.degree. C. to inactivate the enzyme and perform sterilization. The cell wall lysis product-containing liquid (ii) contains .beta.-glucan in a high concentration and shows excellent antitumor effects.

Abstract: The invention relates to a product derived from bakers' yeast and containing from 45% to 60% by weight of polysaccharides (glucans and mannans), from 35% to 45% by weight of proteins, short-chain peptides and amino-acids, and from 3% to 5% by weight of nucleic acids and nucleotides, to a method for its preparation, and to the use of the product as a technological coadjuvant for dough for bread and other bakery products.

Abstract: A method for rupturing microalgae in an aqueous suspension is disclosed. In one embodiment the aqueous suspension is passed through a constriction into a liquid phase at a pressure sufficient to rupture the cells by circulating the aqueous suspension through a constriction in a pump loop at a pressure and a percent recycle sufficient to rupture the cells. Cells of the alga Dunaliella salina can be ruptured by the method of the invention to promote froth flotation and mechanical filtration of the cells for recovery of mixed carotenoids.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method for purifying polysaccharides capable of inducing the production of high titers of opsonic antibodies that kill strains of enterococcal bacteria. In addition, the invention is directed to the antigens produced by this purification method and to vaccines which utilize such antigens.

Abstract: A process for the isolation and purification of nucleic acids and/or oligonucleotides for use in gene therapy wherein nucleic acids and/or oligonucleotides are isolated or purified from an essentially biological source, characterized in thatessentially biological sources are lysed, the fractions obtained are optionally freed or depleted from the remainder of biological sources by per se known mechanical methods, such as centrifugation, filtration;the fractions thus treated are subsequently treated with affinity chromatographic material or with inorganic chromatographic material for the removal of endotoxins; followed byisolation of nucleic acids and/or oligonucleotides on an anion exchanger which is designed such that DNA begins to desorb from the anion exchanger only at an ionic strength corresponding to a sodium chloride solution of a concentration higher by at least 100 mM than one corresponding to the ionic strength at which RNA begins to desorb from the anion exchanger material.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for enhancing the time of response of an assay for a first bacterium, wherein: a) the first bacterium is exposed to infection by phage particles to which the first bacterium is permissive; b) the infected bacterium is treated to inactivate exogenous phage particles; c) the treated bacterium is cultivated in the presence of a second bacterium which is permissive to infection by the phage or its replicand and which has a doubling rate greater than the effective doubling rate of the first bacterium; and d) assessing the extent of plaque formation and/or of second bacterium growth in the cultivated second bacterium cells.

Abstract: The present invention is related to a method for the enzymatic decontamination of specimens as a means to control microbiological contamination. The compositions and methods of the invention are especially useful to eliminate non-gram negative contaminants of samples being processed for microbiological analysis.

Abstract: This invention relates to a fermentation process for high-yield production of plasmid DNA in E coli strains. In the disclosed process, a slow growth rate of cells is controlled and maintained by an automated nutrient feed scheme based on dissolved oxygen concentration (DOC) and pH. This controlled slow growth rate promotes high plasmid DNA stability during host cell replication. As a result, high yield production of plasmid DNA is achieved.

Abstract: A process and system are disclosed for recovering mixed carotenoids from the alga Dunaliella salina. The harvested cells are ruptured, typically by circulating the algal suspension at high pressure through a pump loop. The cells can then be dewatered by absorptive bubble separation techniques, including a froth floatation circuit that has a roughing zone and a concentrating zone. If further concentration is desired, the algal concentrate can be mechanically filtered in a cross flow microfiltration unit in the absence of flocculating agents with substantially no loss of carotenoids in the permeate. Various methods for extracting mixed carotenoids and other components from the algae are disclosed, including dense gas extraction, and extractions with natural and synthetic flavorants, and edible oils.

Abstract: The invention provides vaccines and methods for preventing or treating intestinal protozoal infections in an animal. In particular, vaccines and methods for prevention or treatment of giardiasis are provided. The invention also encompasses methods of preparing and methods of use of novel toxins, antibodies, vaccine strains and compositions that result from or are used in these methods.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for detecting and/or determining the ATP from microorganism cells in a sample, which comprises the steps of: centrifuging the sample and removing the supernatant, thereby forming a microorganism cell pellet; adding to the microorganism cell pellet a buffer containing a protease-free soluble protein and an ATP hydrolase and incubating the mixture at a pH of 6.0-8.0; extracting ATP from the microorganism cells with an added ATP extraction agent; and detecting and/or determining the ATP released from the microorganism cells by bioluminescence analysis. The present invention also provides a test kit for detecting and/or determining the ATP from microorganism cells, which comprises a reagent containing a buffer capable of pH adjustment to 6.0-8.0, a protease-free soluble protein and an ATP hydrolase, a reagent containing an ATP extraction agent, and a bioluminescence reagent.

Abstract: A hydroxyalkanoic acid (PHA)is recovered from matter derived from living organisms by dissolving the PHA in a solvent which is a lower ketone, dialkyl ether or a lower alcohol or a monocarboxylic acid ester thereof, separating the solution from such matter and recovering PHA from the solution.

Abstract: Methods for extracting nucleic acids by heating sample cells at about 80-95 degrees C. in a permeabilization reagent containing a non-ionic detergent and a metal chelating agent. The methods of the invention release large fragments of undegraded nucleic acids without physically disrupting the entire cell wall. The nucleic acids are released into solution without bursting the cells and are suitable for research and testing without further purification. The extraction method described herein is rapid, easy to perform, and applicable to a wide variety of cells, including microorganisms. Clinical samples may be screened for the presence or absence of a microorganism by heating the sample at 80-95 degrees Celsius in the presence of a non-ionic detergent and a metal chelating agent, adding to the sample a nucleic acid probe specific to the selected microorganism, incubating the sample under conditions which allow the probe to hybridize to released nucleic acid and detecting whether any hybridized probe is present.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method for lysing cells. The method comprises simultaneously flowing a cell suspension and a lysis solution through a static mixer, wherein the cells exit the static mixer lysed. In another aspect of the present invention, the invention relates to a method for precipitating cell components, protein, and nucleic acids from a cell lysate or other solution containing precipitable material. The method comprises simultaneously flowing a cell lysate or other protein containing solution and a precipitating solution through a static mixer, wherein the lysate or protein solution exits the static mixer with its precipitable components precipitated. In another aspect of the present invention, the invention relates to a method where the two above-mentioned methods above are combined by using static mixers in series.

Abstract: Algal detritus particles are prepared by contacting algae with marine bacteria capable of attaching to and decomposing the algae under conditions sufficient to induce decomposition of the structural components of the algal tissue, thereby forming detritus suitable for use as a primary feed for marine organisms. Marine bacteria which belong to the genus Alteromonas can be used. Algal detritus made according to the invention is useful as a primary feed for larvae of fry (young fish), crustaceans or mollusks.

Abstract: Minimalist lytic peptides are disclosed that may be readily synthesized on a large scale via a highly-convergent, solution-phase synthesis. The peptides are amphipathic, and are easy and inexpensive to synthesize via solution phase techniques. The peptides exhibit anti-bacterial properties at concentrations that are not lethal to normal mammalian cells. The peptides comprise multimers, i.e. two or more repeats, of certain heptads of amino acid residues. The heptads were designed to generate amphipathic peptides when the heptads are combined into multimers, and were further designed to be readily suited for convergent, solution-phase synthesis. The preferred heptads are described generically by one of the following four formulas, in which "Xps" denotes a positively charged amino acid at physiological pH, and in which "Xnp" denotes a nonpolar amino acid at physiological pH: (1) Xps.sub.1 Xnp.sub.1 Xnp.sub.2 Xps .sub.1 Xnp.sub.1 Xnp.sub.2 Xps, or (2) XpsXnp.sub.1 Xnp.sub.2 Xps.sub.1 Xnp.sub.1 Xnp.sub.2 Xps.sub.

Abstract: A composition is provided, which comprises a purified cytoplasmic extract from eggs of Xenopus laevis which is capable of supporting activation of human sperm and complete replication of a human sperm genome. Methods of using the extract to achieve complete replication of the sperm genome are disclosed. A flow cytometric method for quantitatively monitoring replication of human sperm genomes is also disclosed. This method can be used for clinical assessment of sperm quality in a test sample of human sperm from an infertile male donor.

Abstract: An improved method of determining a viable microbial cell count in a sample solution with an enhanced detection sensitivity is provided, comprising filtering the sample solution through a filtration membrane having hydrophobic properties to entrap microbes within hydrophobic barriers; applying thereto a fine spray of ATP releasing reagent to extract a luminescent ingredient from the microbes; applying thereto another fine spray of liquid luminescence-inducing reagent to allow the released luminescent ingredient to emit luminescence; and measuring the level of the luminescence, using a competent means for measuring the luminescence level. The microbes and the two types of reagents are locally concentrated due to the hydrophobic properties of the membrane and thus the sensitivity is greatly enhanced, permitting instant counting in the case of large microbes, and decreased culture time for smaller bacterial microbes.

Abstract: Bacteriophages of food-contaminating or pathogenic bacteria or the lysins thereof are used to kill such bacteria. Examples include lysins from bacteriophages of Listeria monocytogenes and Clostridium tyrobutyricum.Tests for bacterial contamination can be made specific for specific bacteria by using the appropriate bacteriophage or lysin thereof and determining whether cells are lysed thereby.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for reducing the amount of substances inhibitory to nucleic acid hybridization in samples. The method is practiced prior to release of target nucleic acid from cells of interest and involves contacting the sample with an agent which solubilizes the inhibitory substances and does not effectuate release of nucleic acids from cells in the sample, and then the cells from the agent.

Abstract: An antibacterial article inhibits the proliferation of microorganisms on the surface of food. The antibacterial article includes a substrate, such as a nonwoven material, on which is adsorbed .epsilon.-polylysine. The article is produced by applying an aqueous or alcoholic solution of .epsilon.-polylysine to the substrate by spraying or immersion.

Abstract: A method of recovery of DNA of a microorganism in soil is provided which comprises addition of nucleic acid to a liquid suspension containing the soil and the microorganism before lysis of the microorganism and recovery of the desired DNA.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for reducing or removing endotoxins from compositions containing therapeutic active substances extracted from natural sources by genetic engineering and/or biotechnology. For that purpose, the compositions are treated with chromatographic materials. The natural sources are disintegrated, the thus obtained fractions are, if required, centrifuged, filtered or treated using affinity chromatography methods, the fractions are pre-incubated in an aqueous salt solution and detergents, are treated with anion exchange materials, then washed with another salt solution. The active substances are eluted from the anion exchanger then further purified in a manner known per se.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods and compositions useful for rapidly freeing precursor ribosomal RNA from mycobacterial cells. The methods and compositions further result in detectable levels of ribosomal RNA precursors that are not degraded.

Abstract: Compositions containing two species of indolyl-3-alkane alpha-hydroxylase (INDH) are isolated from Pseudomonas XA. An INDH1 composition contains protein subunits having molecular weights of 75,000, 34,500 and 32,500 daltons. An INDH2 composition contains protein subunits having molecular weights of 60,000, 44,000 and 42,000 daltons. Molecular weights are determined by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. The compositions have a Specific INDH Activity of at least 10 international Units of INDH activity per milligram of protein, and contain less than 1 nanogram of endotoxin per International Unit of Specific INDH Activity. The INDH compositions may be immobilized on an insoluble matrix such as silica beads to provide at least 2.5 international Units of INDH activity per gram of Immobilized INDH composition. The INDH compositions are isolated by lysing Pseudomonas XA cells at a temperature of no more than 15.degree. C.

Abstract: A bovine vaccine composition comprising an immunogenically active component having inactivated bovine Trichomonas cells or antigens derived therefrom, in combination with an effective amount of an immunogenically suitable adjuvant; and a veterinary pharmaceutically acceptable carrier or dilent. The vaccine composition is useful to prevent Tritrichomonas (Trichomonas), e.g., T. foetus, infection in bovine, and may also be combined with other vaccine compositions or therapy. A method for preventing Trichomonas infection in bovine is also provided.

Abstract: An improved method and fermentor for aerobic production of microbial cells and/or cell metabolites, having at least one ascending flow chambers and at least one descending flow chamber. The fermentor is especially useful in conducting high cell density fermentation processes which involves the controlled addition of an antifoam agent, for maintaining a predetermined and relatively high gas holdup within the fermentor or by release of the constituents of the microbial cells into the fermentor.

Abstract: A device and a process for isolating nucleic acids by lysing intact cells and removing nucleic acids emerging from the lysed cells by the following steps:a) the cells are immobilized in a porous matrix, with the size of matrix voids being in the range of the type of cell to be lysed;b) the cells are lysed;c) the nucleic acids are fixated on the matrix surface, and subsequentlyd) are eluted.

Abstract: Disclosed are devices and methods for analyzing a fluid cell containing sample. The devices are composed of a solid substrate, microfabricated to define at least one sample inlet port and a mesoscale flow system. The mesoscale flow system includes a sample flow channel, extending from the inlet port, and a cell handling region for treating cells disposed in fluid communication with the flow channel. The devices may further include a component for inducing flow of cells in the sample through the flow system. In one embodiment, the cell-handling region may include a cell lysis component to enable the lysis of cells in the sample, prior to, e.g., the detection of an intracellular component in the cell sample. In another embodiment, the cell handling region may have a cell capture region, with binding sites which reversibly bind to a specific population of cells in the cell sample, to permit the isolation of the specific cell population from the sample.

Abstract: A process capable of being continuously carried out, for disintegrating cell material in the form of dispersions or suspensions in water for the purpose of obtaining cell constituent. Selected parameters permit avoidance of use of solid ultrasonication activators and the establishment of a particular geometry form for the acoustic irradiation container. The parameters include sonotrode immersion angle, length of immersion, ratio of extent of immersion of the sonotrode relative to the acoustic irradiation volume and the ratio of extent of immersion to the solid matter content of the medium to be sonicated.