The process of rupturing the cell wall and membranes (if present) of microorganisms by physical, chemical, or biochemical means to release the contents of the cells. Presses and liquid shear such as bead mills provide physical disruption to the cells, whereas chemical agents, including detergents such as Triton X, remove the lipid molecules thereby causing disruption of cell membranes. The enzyme lysozyme, obtained from hen egg white, dissolves the cell wall causing disruption. It is, however, expensive and rarely used for large-scale extraction processes. The processes are often used in combination.