Laser-Induced Shock Waves Would Lyse Cells for Analysis

According to a proposal, laser-induced acoustic shock waves would be used to lyse cells as needed for biomolecular investigations, including, for example, diagnosis of diseases, pregnancy tests, analyses of genetic molecular structures, and general analyses of cell chemistry. Heretofore, it has been common practice to suspend cells in liquid buffers and to introduce lysing chemicals into the buffers. While chemical lysis is effective, it contributes to the cost and complexity of analysis and creates a problem of disposal of additional chemical waste, especially in situations in which many samples must be analyzed. By eliminating the need for lysing chemicals, the proposed technique would reduce the cost, complexity, and need for post-analysis waste disposal.