Cell concentration, capture and lysis devices and methods of use thereof

A method of disrupting a cellular membrane of one or more cells provided in a cell-containing liquid sample, said method comprising the steps of:

• providing a microfluidic device comprising:
• a microfluidic channel;
• a first electrode provided on one surface of said microfluidic channel, wherein first electrode comprises aluminum etched with a dense network of microscopic tunnels;
• a second electrode provided on an opposing surface of said microfluidic channel;
• an aluminum oxide dielectric layer formed on said first electrode by electrochemical oxidation, for preventing the flow of a Faradaic current within said microfluidic channel under the application of a voltage between said first electrode and said second electrode;
• and
• a voltage source connected to said first electrode and said second electrode for applying a pulsed voltage therebetween;
• flowing said cell-containing liquid sample through said microfluidic channel;
• and
• applying one or more voltage pulses to said electrodes, said voltage pulses having an effective time duration and an amplitude for disruption of a cellular membrane of said cells.