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When filtering samples, it is important to use the correct membrane for your application. This guide should help you determine which membrane is most suitable for your requirements.
To find suitable filters by chemical, see our chemical compatibility guide.
Browse our full range of Syringe Filters or select a membrane below.
Cellulose acetate is a very low protein binding membrane that is ideal for aqueous based samples. It is a lower protein binder than either polyethersulphone or PVDF membranes, but has a lower chemical resistance than regenerated cellulose.
Use with: Aqueous samples
Don't use with: Organic solvents
Glass Microfibre filters should be used as a pre-filter for samples with a high particulate content. The nominal rated depth filters can take a higher load than membrane barrier filters and are a lower cost.
Use with: Heavily contaminated samples
Don't use with: Benzyl alcohol
Nylon membranes are extremely low in extractables and mechanically very strong. They possess good thermal stability up to 50°C.
Use with: Bases, Most HPLC solvents, Alcohols, Aromatic Hydrocarbons, THF
Don't use with: Acids, Aggressive Halogenated hydrocarbons, protein samples (Nylon is a high binder)
Polyethersulphone is a hydrophilic membrane that has very low protein binding and high flow characteristics. It is also certified for ion chromatography. Polyethersulphone is more heat resistant than most membranes, although care should be taken with any solvent at high temperatures as the casing of the filter may soften.
Use with: Strong bases, alcohols, proteins, peptides
Don't use with: acids, ketones, esters, halogenated or aromatic hydrocarbons
Hydrophilic polypropylene membranes are chemically resistant and suitable for a wide variety of organic and aqueous based samples. They are low protein binders and can be used with strong acids and bases without prewetting.
Use with: Acids/Bases, general HPLC analysis
Limited resistance with: MeCl and Chloroform
Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) membranes are chemically resistant to virtually all solvents, acids and bases. The membrane is very low in extractables and has an excellent thermal stability. PTFE is hydrophobic and requires prewetting prior to use with aqueous solvents.
Use with: Aggressive solvents, strong acids, alcohols, bases, aromatics
Don't use with: Aqueous samples without prewetting (causes high backpressure)
Polyvinylidene difluoride is a hydrophilic membrane that is suitable for most filtration purposes. It has a broad chemical compatibility and is a low protein binder.
Use with: Alcohols, weak acids, proteins, peptides and other biomolecules
Don't use with: Some strong acids, bases, esters, ethers or ketones
Regenerated cellulose is a hydrophilic solvent resistant membrane. It is a very low protein binder and is recommended for situations where the maximum solvent retention of the biological sample is required.
Use with: Proteins, Peptides and other biomolecules
Don't use with: Strong acids, Chloroform, THF
