Cell disruption — In a bead mill, the overall efficiency of cell breakage depends primarily on which factors?

Difficulty: Easy

Correct Answer: All of these

Explanation:


Introduction:
Bead milling disrupts cells by mechanical shear and impact between beads and cell suspensions. Performance depends on multiple interacting variables that determine energy dissipation, collision frequency, and stress magnitude on cells.


Given Data / Assumptions:

  • Typical horizontal or vertical bead mills.
  • Appropriate bead loading and size for the organism.
  • Operated within manufacturer-recommended speeds.


Concept / Approach:
Higher cell concentration increases probability of collisions but can raise viscosity. Bead size and loading control kinetic energy and contact events. Agitator design and speed set power density and flow patterns. Optimal disruption maximizes specific energy to cells while avoiding excessive heating.


Step-by-Step Solution:
Identify key levers: biomass loading, bead properties, and agitator speed.Recognize their roles: collision frequency, stress magnitude, residence time distribution.Select the comprehensive option that includes all three factors.


Verification / Alternative check:
Empirical optimization curves show disruption efficiency versus bead size and speed, with performance sensitive to cell concentration and viscosity.


Why Other Options Are Wrong:

  • Each single-factor option is incomplete.
  • Coolant temperature matters for viability but is not the primary determinant of mechanical breakage efficiency.


Common Pitfalls:
Overloading beads leading to poor mixing; running at excessive speed causing bead wear and product heating; ignoring screen size that affects bead retention and product quality.


Final Answer:
All of these

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