Ballistic disruption of Penicillium chrysogenum cells

GRINDING MICROORGANISMS WITH A PERISTALTIC PUMP

The Randolph Co. model 610 peristaltic, (1/8)-hp pump was effective for preparative purposes in disrupting baker's yeast and spores of Bacillus globigii when suspended with glass beads. Best results were obtained with use of a slurry just fluid enough to flow through tubing while stirred. Beads of 0.2 and 0.1 mm were used to best advantage for the yeast cells and spores, respectively. Yeast cells were disrupted completely within 15 min, and the spores in 10 to 30 min. Temperature and surface denaturation are readily controlled, and the system is easily modified for use with large quantities of microorganisms.

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Disintegration of microorganisms and preparation of yeast cell walls in a new type of disintegrator

Microbial cells were disintegrated in a new type of rotary disintegrator with a disc stirrer by a combination of shear force layers, collisions, and rolling of glass beads which were brought into motion by the stirrer. The rate of disintegration at a given dry bed volume of Ballotini beads and a given volume of cell suspension is proportional to the peripheral velocity of the stirrer up to 18 m/sec. Horizontal arrangement of the stirrer increases the effectiveness about five times; 100% disintegration of yeast cells was achieved under optimal conditions within 72 sec at a concentration of 3.5g (dry weight)/100 ml of suspension, and within 96 sec at a concentration of 10.5g (dry weight)/100ml. At 17.5 g (dry weight)/100 ml, the stirrer began to slip. The cell walls of yeast were obtained at the desired degree of crushing and the course of purification was determined by infrared spectral analysis.