MIT researchers developed a way to make cells detach from surfaces on demand, using electrochemically generated bubbles. The system could keep bioreactors and other cell-growing systems clean, accelerating the growth of carbon-absorbing algae and lifesaving cell therapies.
Bubbles act as a water/air interface. The lipid membrane of a cell is a wall that has an internal hydrophobic layer made of phospholipids. Phospholipids when introduced to a water/air interface orient their hydrophobic side into the air, away from water. In other words the bubble rips the cell membrane apart by pulling phospholipids out of the membrane.
Good explanation, thanks!