ABSTRACT

Cell disruption is an intermediate step in the production of intracellular products from microorganisms. For isolation and purification of any intracellular product, an efficient cell breakage process will be required. The size of cell debris generated by the disruption process is another factor that must be considered. Disruption usually is followed by a solid-liquid separation process to remove cell debris. The extent of cell disruption is a strong function of operating pressure and number of passes through the valve, as well as valve design. Homogenizer manufacturers have recognized the benefits of higher operating pressures for cell disruption and now offer production and pilot-scale units with higher pressure ratings than those used for milk homogenization. The fact that the physiological state of the cell influences its susceptibility to disruption may be used to advantage in selecting fermentation conditions for products that require cell disruption.