Large-scale disintegration of microorganisms by freeze-pressing

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Abstract
A semicontinuous press has been constructed for the disintegration of microorganisms and other biological material by freeze‐pressing, i.e., pressure extrusion of frozen material through a narrow hole. The material to be freeze‐pressed is frozen in the form of cylindrical rods, which fit into the pressure chamber and are extruded by a piston forced back and forth by means of a hydraulic pump. At a sample temperature of −35°C and a press temperature of −20°C, about 90% disruption is achieved in a single passage of undiluted baker's yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae, 270 mg/g) through the orifice of the pressure chamber. With this press about 10 kg of material can be freeze‐pressed per hour.