This chart provides general guidelines on filter characteristics and applications to assist with the choice of appropriate device and membrane.
Regenerated cellulose (RC)
Hydrophilic membrane that has the same properties as cellulose acetate but stable with most HPLC solvents.
This membrane is used for HPLC solvents, degassing, and filtration and is compatible with aqueous samples in a pH range from 2 to 12. With a non specific low protein binding, this membrane is chosen for protein filtration when maximum yield of recovery is needed.
Mixing of cellulose esters (MEC)
Ideal hydrophilic membrane for the filtration of aqueous samples,with low solvent resistance. A Glass pre-filter membrane is used for tissue culture media filtration, biological sample filtration, as clarification and sterilization of aqueous samples.
Very low protein binding (binding < PVDF, PS), the Glass prefilter increases filtrate volume yield by 3.
Nylon and Nylon Low Extractables (LE)
Commonly used for HPLC samples filtration prior to injection, with good solvent resistance. Having hydrophilic properties, it gives good results with aqueous samples. Should not be used when maximum protein recovery is important.
Polypropylene (PP)
High resistance, may be used with virtually all solvents, acids and bases.
PVDF
Hydrophilic membrane with a good solvent resistance. Ideal for filtration of HPLC mobile phase solvents.
PTFE
Hydrophobic membrane chemically resistant to solvents, acids, bases. This membrane is ideal for filtration of chromatography solvents, with no extractables due to the PTFE membrane.
Glass Fiber (GMF or GF)
Commonly used as prefilter for most filtration devices. Typically used for crude samples and used for the cleaning and purification of DNA.
PES
Hydrophilic membrane with a very low binding for proteins and nucleic acids. Good flow rate characteristics and strong membrane mechanical resistance. Mainly dedicated to cell culture filtration. Compatible with alcohols and strong bases.
Nitrocellulose
Hydrophilic membrane recommended for aqueous sample clarification and filtration as MEC membranes.