Sonication

Sonication is a process that uses ultrasound energy to agitate particles in a sample, for various purposes. Ultrasound has frequencies greater than the upper limit of human hearing, greater than 20 kilohertz.

Uses

Sonication is used in many areas of biology, for example to disrupt cell membranes and release intracellular materials, shear DNA, encourage cell growth, and to speed up reactions. It is also used in medical research for microbial disinfection and fragmentation, and for activating drug delivery systems.

Equipment

Sonication devices are commonly referred to as "sonicators". Sonicators typically consist of an ultrasonic processor – a generator of ultrasonic waves – and a transducer – a tool that converts the electrical waves into mechanical waves. The mechanical waves are then transmitted into the sample using a probe or horn.

Process

The process of sonication can be carried out with a probe-type sonicator, a bath-type sonicator, or an ultrasonic cleaner. The probe-type sonicator is more commonly used in biochemistry and molecular biology, while the bath-type sonicator is more commonly used in the cleaning of delicate equipment.

Risks

Sonication can cause damage to some types of cells, particularly eukaryotic cells. It can also cause aerosols, which can be a problem if the sample is hazardous, such as pathogenic bacteria or viruses. The heat generated by sonication can kill cells, denature proteins, and cause the sample to evaporate.

See also

• Ultrasound
• Cell disruption
• Drug delivery

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