Effects of hydrocyclones on the integrity of animal and microbial cells.

The comparative effects of passing mammalian and nucleated red blood cells through liquid/liquid (low shear) and solid/liquid (high shear) hydrocyclones have been examined. Cell disruption was only found when the rig was operated in conjunction with a solid/liquid hydrocyclone apparently as a result of the higher operating pressures required for this type of hydrocyclone. Yeast cells were not disrupted even by the highest operating pressures but there was some evidence for effects on the growth rate of yeast after passage through a solid/liquid hydrocyclone.