Patent ID: 7598064

Claim:
A method of lysing cells or viruses using a microfluidic device comprising: An electrolysis device for cell lysis which includes an anode chamber, a cathode chamber and a separator, wherein the separator is installed between the anode chamber and the cathode chamber, and the separator does not allow ions or gas generated from electrolysis of the electrolyte contained in the anode chamber and the cathode chamber to pass through, and the anode chamber includes an inlet and an outlet for an anode chamber solution and an electrode, and the cathode chamber includes an inlet and an outlet for a cathode chamber solution and an electrode, the method comprising: introducing the anode chamber solution including a compound having lower or higher standard oxidation potential than water into the anode chamber through the inlet of the anode chamber; introducing the cathode chamber solution including cells or viruses and a compound having lower standard reduction potential than water into the cathode chamber through the inlet of the cathode chamber; and lysing cells by applying current to electrodes included in the anode chamber and the cathode chamber to cause electrolysis in the anode chamber and the cathode chamber.