Sonication uses high frequency (20–50 kHz) of ultrasound to propagate the liquid with pressure waves that expand and contract. The expansion and contraction creates cavities and as these cavities collapse, the pressure that is generated can disrupt the cell membranes. This method is useful, but there is a large variable yield due to the nature of random vibrations. The best method is to do short bursts and cooling of the sample to prevent over heating.
An instrument called the SonicMan was developed in order to carry out this particular method. It contains interchangeable 96, 384, and 1536 format disposable pin lids to transfer sonic energy to each individual well. These disposable and specific pin lids prevent cross contamination between the wells. This instrument also has variable power settings between 1 and 1150 watts, and variable sonication time intervals from 0.1 to 20 seconds. The touch screen panel can control the environment and settings in order to effectively carry about the method to obtain the desired sample.