Disruption of the cellular membrane, leading to the release of intracellular contents, is a fundamental process in biological research. This process can occur naturally due to programmed cell death or external factors. Examples include the breakdown of red blood cells (hemolysis) and the destruction of bacterial cells by bacteriophages. The mechanisms driving this can be either physical, chemical, or biological.
The controlled disruption of cells is vital for extracting DNA, RNA, proteins, and other biomolecules for downstream analysis. Its applications span various fields, from molecular biology and biochemistry to diagnostics and drug discovery. Historically, manual methods such as grinding and sonication were employed, while modern techniques offer greater control and efficiency, maximizing the yield and integrity of the target molecules.