SiliCycle - Determining the Perfect Syringe Filter in 3 Simple Steps

Step 1: Selection of the Membrane by Application

In the table below you can find the most popular applications where scientists are using SiliCycle Syringe Filters in their laboratories. The table below presents recommended membranes and alternative membranes for each application type. Finally, your choice of membrane can be validated by reviewing the description of each membrane in the SiliCycle portfolio.

Membrane Descriptions

Nylon:
Hydrophilic membrane is working well for general filtrations, aqueous & mixed organic solutions, medical assays and HPLC sample preparations.

Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE):
Hydrophobic polytetrafluoroethylene membrane is an excellent media for filtration of strong acids and aggressive organic solvents. Wetting the membrane with alcohol and water gives a hydrophilic characteristic.

Polyvinylidene Fluoride (PVDF):
Hydrophilic polyvinylidene fluoride membrane presents low extractables and provides good filtration of aqueous solutions, organic solvents and biological solutions.

Polyethersulfone (PES):
Hydrophilic polyethersulfone membrane is mainly used for life-science applications (biological & pharmaceutical) because of the ultra-low protein binding characteristic of the membrane.

Regenerated Cellulose (RC):
Regenerated cellulose is a universal hydrophilic membrane used in chromatography for filtration of aqueous samples and solvents. This membrane is also used for filtration of biomolecules because of the ultra-low binding capability of the media.

Step 2: Selection of the Membrane Porosity Based on the Sample Nature

Pore Size of 0.45 µm
This porosity is recommended for filtration of viscous solutions or solutions containing high levels of particulate matter. Generally used for aqueous or mixed organic solutions prior to injection on an HPLC column packed with > 3 µm particles.

Pore Size of 0.20 µm
Generally used for aqueous or mixed organic solution prior to injection on an HPLC or UHPLC column packed with ≤ 3 µm particles. This porosity is recommended for particulate-sensitive methods.

Step 3: Selection of the Membrane Diameter Based on Sample Volume

4 mm Membrane
Use this diameter when the volume to filtrate is less than 1 mL.

13 mm Membrane
Use this diameter when the volume to filtrate is between 1 to 10 mL.

25 mm Membrane
Use this diameter when the volume to filtrate is between 10 to 100 mL.