Syringe filters are essential consumables in laboratories and industrial applications, such as biology, chemistry, environmental science, medicine, and pharmaceuticals, designed for the filtration and clarification of liquids before analysis, chromatography, or storage. Selecting the right syringe filter ensures sample integrity, reproducibility, and protection of instruments such as High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), Gas chromatography (GC), or spectrophotometers.

This guide will help you understand the key factors to consider when choosing a syringe filter for your application.

1. Filter Membrane Material

The membrane determines the chemical compatibility and performance:

• PTFE (Polytetrafluoroethylene): Excellent chemical resistance; ideal for aggressive solvents and strong acids/bases.

• Nylon: Versatile, hydrophilic; suitable for aqueous and most organic solvents.

• PVDF (Polyvinylidene fluoride): Low protein binding; good for biological samples and sterilization.

• PES (Polyethersulfone): High flow rate, low extractables; suitable for cell culture media and buffers.

• Cellulose Acetate (CA): Low protein binding; ideal for protein and enzyme solutions.

• Glass Fiber: Pre-filtration of particulate-rich samples; often used before final membrane filtration.

2. Pore Size of the Membrane 

Choose based on the particle size you need to remove:

• 0.2 μm: for removing extremely fine particles from samples and mobile phase, as well as removes bacteria and fine particulates; sterilization-grade filtration.

• 0.45 μm: general filtration for mobile phases of standard samples; removes larger particulates and protects HPLC columns.

• 1.0 μm and above: Pre-filtration of heavily contaminated samples.

3. Diameter of the Membrane

• Φ4–13 mm: Small sample volumes (<10 mL).

• Φ25 mm: Medium sample volumes (10–100 mL).

• Φ33 mm and larger: Large volumes or samples with higher particulate loads.

• Larger diameters provide higher flow rates and lower backpressure.

Most commonly used membrane diameters are Φ13μm and Φ25μm. 

4. Sample Compatibility

• Aqueous samples: Use hydrophilic membranes (Nylon, PES, CA).

• Organic solvents: Use chemically resistant hydrophobic membranes (PTFE).

• Biological samples: Select low-protein-binding membranes (PVDF, CA).

5. Sterile vs. Non-Sterile Filters

• Sterile filters: For applications in cell culture, microbiology, and clinical diagnostics.

• Non-sterile filters: For general laboratory use, chemical filtration, or pre-filtration.

Choosing the right syringe filter requires considering membrane material, pore size, diameter, chemical compatibility, and sterility requirements. The correct filter improves data reliability, protects expensive equipment, and ensures sample quality.

Application Examples

• HPLC sample preparation: 0.2 μm or 0.45 μm PTFE/Nylon filters.

• Protein solutions: CA or PVDF membranes to minimize protein binding.

• Cell culture media sterilization: PES or PVDF 0.2 μm sterile filters.

• Aggressive solvents (chloroform, DMSO): PTFE filters for chemical resistance.

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