Phenex Syringe Filters

LC/GC Approved Syringe Filters

Phenex syringe filters are designed for efficient and rapid filtration of almost any solution prior to analysis, and are optimized for superior flow rates and high-throughput. Proper syringe filter membrane and size selection is the key to choosing the best product to maintain the integrity of your sample components as well as to protect your system from particulate contamination. Phenex offers a wide variety of membranes ideal for any application.

Try our Phenex Syringe Filters for:

  • High quality filtration product
  • Increased column lifetime
  • Less system downtime
  • Low protein absorption

Order

Select a Phase to view products:

Filtration

CA

GF

GF/CA

GF/CA

GF/NY

No Phase

NY

PES

PTFE

RC

No Separation Mode

No Phase

Overview

Phenex Offers:

  • Broad chemical compatibility
  • Minimized extractables
  • Excellent flow rate
  • High total throughput
  • Certified quality
  • 100 % integrity tested
  • Low hold-up volume
  • Low protein adsorption
  • Bi-directional use

Maximum Quality

A: Identification

Syringe filter membrane type and pore size are clearly marked on each syringe filter

B: Luer Lock Inlet Tip

Secures connections to prevent “blow off”

C: Sample Distribution Rings

Creates even sample distribution for high sample flow rates

D: Medical Grade Polymer Housing

Offers the most inert syringe filter and helps eliminate unwanted secondary

interactions with the filter housing

E: Ultrasonically Welded

Ensures robust housing - filter integrity

Guaranteed Reliability and Consistency

Quality filtration products from Phenomenex offer a convenient way to clean up your samples - for improved analytical results with a simple method. Phenex syringe filters are designed for efficient and rapid filtration of almost any solution prior to analysis, and are optimized for superior flow rates and high-throughput. Phenex offers a wide variety of membranes ideal for any application.

  • High quality filtration product
  • Increased column lifetime
  • Less system downtime

The housing attaches to any standard luer lock syringe, so the sample can easily be pushed through the membrane with minimal pressure. The result is a particulate-free eluent that is ready for use with LC, GC, or other analytical techniques. One of the most popular sample preparation methods is filtration using a sample preparation solution. It has the ability to remove particulates before injection onto the column and the ability to use it in parallel with another sample preparation technique. It requires no method development.
A: Particulates Trapped
B: Particulate-free Sample

RC (Regenerated Cellulose)
For Aqueous and Mixed Organic Solutions

PTFE , Teflon® (Polytetrafluoroethylene)
For 100 % Organic Solutions

A broad range of aqueous and mixed-organic solutionsWell-suited for the clarification of non-aqueous samples
Fast-flow and ultra-low protein and non-specific binding characteristicsHydrophobic membrane, excellent for filtration of organic-based, highly acidic or basic samples and solvents
Broadly recommended as an excellent general purpose/high-performance sample filter for most applicationsA hydrophobic membrane, that can be made hydrophilic by wetting with alcohol and then flushing with deionized water

Additional Syringe Filter Membranes

Membrane Types

Recommended Uses

PES

(Polyethersulfone)

Polyethersulfone membranes exhibit very fast-flow and ultra-low protein binding characteristics.Phenex-PES membranes are typically broadly recommended for filtering critical biological samples, tissue culture media, additives and buffers.

NY

(Nylon)

Nylon has inherent hydrophilic characteristics and works well for filtration of many aqueous and mixed-organic samples. In combination with a glass pre-filter (Phenex-GF/NY), this membrane is excellent for the filtration of particle-laden samples, such as foods and beverages, environmental, biofuels, and dissolution samples.

CA

(Cellulose Acetate)

Cellulose Acetate (CA) membranes exhibit ultra-low protein binding and are broadly used in the filtration of biological samples. In combination with a glass pre-filter (Phenex-GF/CA), this membrane is excellent for filtration of tissue culture media, general biological sample filtration and clarification.

GF

(Glass Fiber)

Glass Fiber (GF) filters are made of inert borosilicate glass and have a nominal 1.2 µm pore size. They are commonly used with highly viscous samples or samples containing high concentrations of particulate matter (e.g., food analysis, biological samples, soil samples, fermentation broth samples, removal of yeasts, molds, etc.).

PVDF

(Polyvinylidene Fluoride)

Hydrophilic PVDF membrane provides high flow rates and throughput, low extractables, and broad chemical compatibility. This membrane binds less protein than nylon or PTFE membranes.

Recommendation Based on Your Industry

Environmental

Water, wastewater, soil and sludge, and pollution control samples are especially challenging. No matter the sample type, Phenex offers filtration products to meet your demanding requirements.
Recommended Filter: GF/NY
First Alternative: RC

Pharmaceutical / Biotech

At every stage of the drug discovery process target compounds must be isolated, purified, and prepared prior to testing. Sample complexity in DMPK work can be even more challenging. Difficult samples such as serum, urine, and other physiological fluids are easily filtered and clarified using Phenex syringe filters.
Recommended Filter: PES
First Alternative: RC

Clinical / Toxicology

Removal of particulate matter to sub-micron levels is critical before any clinical sample is injected into an LC, GC or mass spectrometer. At every stage in toxicology, samples should be filtered, preferably with a rapid and simple sample preparation method to reduce downtime in the fast paced environment. Phenex is designed for higher flow rates and throughputs than those of competing products.
Recommended Filter: RC
First Alternative: PES

Food and Beverage

Removal of particulate matter to sub-micron levels is critical before any clinical sample is injected into an LC, GC or mass spectrometer. At every stage in toxicology, samples should be filtered, preferably with a rapid and simple sample preparation method to reduce downtime in the fast paced environment. Phenex is designed for higher flow rates and throughputs than those of competing products.
Recommended Filter: RC
First Alternative: PES

Other Applications:

Application / Sample*

Recommended Filter**

First Alternative

General GC and LCRCPTFE
Aggressive or Pure Organic SolventsPTFERC
High Particulate LoadsGF/NYGF + RC
Dissolution TestingGF/NYRC
Ion ChromatographyRCPES
Trace Metals (ICP-MS, AAS)RCPES
Capillary Electrophoresis (CE)RCPES
Tissue Cultures, Media, BuffersGF/CAPES

* Removal of high particulate matter with a glass fiber prefilter is critical before any drug, tox, or dirty environmental sample is filtered to ensure the highest syringe filter membrane performance.
** For high load and particulate-laden samples you may consider placing a Glass Fiber (GF) prefilter, either integrated with the membrane as one unit (Phenex-GF/NY or -GF/CA) or in series with the membrane syringe filter of your choice. Generally, 0.45 µm porosity filters are used to remove particulates from samples and mobile phase solutions. For sterile-filtration, a 0.20 µm porosity filter can be used.

How to Use Phenex Syringe Filters

Easy to assemble and even easier to get consistent and particulate-free samples

Step 1: Load
Fill a syringe barrel with the liquid sample. Allow a small amount of air (approximately 10 % of the sample volume) to enter the syringe. The air is used as a purge to minimize fluid retention when expelling the sample from the syringe (Step 3 below).

Step 2: Assemble
Twist the luer lock end of the filter securely onto the syringe.
(Caution: Do not use syringes without a matching luer lock, otherwise the pressure applied may cause the filter to come off unexpectedly.)

Step 3: Filter
Apply gentle pressure to the syringe plunger.
(Caution: Small syringes can generate excessive pressures.) Push the liquid sample, as well as the remaining air, through the syringe filter to maximize sample recovery.

Phases

Filtration

CA

CA

Cellulose acetate (CA) for ultra-low protein binding and are generally used in the filtration of biological samples

Recommended Use

Filtration of tissue, cultures, media, and buffers

Filtration

GF

GF

Glass Fiber (GF) filters are made of inert borosilicate glass and can be used alone or in series with other Phenex filter membranes

Recommended Use

Filtration of highly viscous samples or samples that contain high concentrations of particulate matter (e.g., food analysis, biological samples soil samples, fermentation broth samples, removal of yeasts, molds, etc.)

Filtration

GF/CA

GF/CA

Cellulose acetate (CA) combined with glass fiber pre-filter for ultra-low protein binding and are generally used in the filtration of biological samples 9 Edit Delete

Recommended Use

Filtration of tissue, cultures, media, and buffers that are highly viscous or contain high concentrations of particulate matter

Filtration

GF/CA

GF/CA

Cellulose acetate (CA) combined with glass fiber pre-filter for ultra-low protein binding and are generally used in the filtration of biological samples 9 Edit Delete

Recommended Use

Filtration of tissue, cultures, media, and buffers that are highly viscous or contain high concentrations of particulate matter

Filtration

GF/NY

GF/NY

Nylon (NY) combined with glass fiber pre-filter for inherent hydrophilic characteristics and works well for filtration of many aqueous and mixed-organic samples

Recommended Use

Filtration of particle-laden samples, such as foods and beverages, environmental, biofuels, and dissolution samples

Filtration

No Phase

No Phase

Pipette tips

Recommended Use

Liquid measurement

No Separation Mode

No Phase

No Phase

Syringe filters with a selection of membranes

Recommended Use

Efficient and rapid filtration of solutions prior to analysis, optimized for superior flow rates and high throughput

Filtration

NY

NY

Nylon (NY) has inherent hydrophilic characteristics and filtration of many diverse sample types

Recommended Use

Filtration of many aqueous and mixed-organic samples

Filtration

PES

PES

Polyethersulfone (PES) membranes exhibit very fast-flow and ultra-low protein binding characteristics

Recommended Use

Filtration of biological samples, tissue culture media, additives and buffers

Filtration

PTFE

PTFE

Hydrophobic polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) membrane well-suited for the clarification of non-aqueous samples and can be be made hydrophilic by wetting the membrane with alcohol and then flushing with DI water

Recommended Use

Filtration of organic-based, highly acidic or basic samples and solvents

Filtration

RC

RC

Hydrophilic regenerated cellulose (RC) exhibit fast-flow and ultra-low protein and non-specific binding characteristics

Recommended Use

Filtration of a broad range of aqueous and mixed-organic solutions and broadly recommended as an excellent general purpose/high-performance sample filter for most applications

FAQs

Yes if your method is amenable to methanol. For a 25mm Phenex PTFE filter, use 15-20mL of methanol as a blank filtrate to wet the membrane. This will help give less pressure if filtering aqueous samples.
First, you need to choose a column that has a very thick stationary phase, such as a 0.25mm ZB-624plus™ column with a 1.4 micron film thickness. Then you need to increase your split ratio, so you don’t send too much analyte onto the column. Also, start the run at a lower temperature, like 30 or 35°C, to provide enough focusing time for on-column separation. Finally, for the low boiling analytes, you should back off a bit on the flow rate.
All RC, CA, and PTFE Phenex syringe filters come with a HPLC certificate of analysis. These filters include a certificate in every box to be low in extractables for trace analysis and sensitive detection methods.
The following factors contribute to the degradation of chromatography and subsequent replacement of HPLC columns: Over time, the stationary phase backbone (i.e. silica) will begin to breakdown, resulting in the formation of column voids. This results in peak broadening and splitting, and subsequently loss of sensitivity and resolution. The accumulation of fine particles can also cause an increase in pressure, which will further decrease lifetime. Even under neutral pH, the stationary phase ligand may be lost over time resulting in reduced retention and efficiency. The injection of problematic samples and/or harsh running condition can significantly shorten column life (i.e. number of injections). To maximize column lifetime, especially with problematic samples, we recommend SecurityGuard and SecurityGuard ULTRA. Phenex syringe filters or Verex filter vials can also increase column lifetimes and improve system uptime by removing particulates from your sample prior to analysis.
There are many potential sources and solutions: Put caps with filters or sorbent traps on your HPLC mobile phase bottles and solvent waste receptacles; don’t leave residual acetonitrile in pipette barrels; do all your potency extractions and standard preparations in a fume hood; and if you are using a triple quad MS for pesticide analysis, don’t discharge the vacuum exhaust from the ionization source into the lab.
Under conditions of 121°C for a maximum of 15 minutes, the RC, PTFE and NY filters can be autoclaved. Maximum continuous operating temperature should not exceed 80°C to maintain optimum performance. Only Phenex filter with polypropylene housing can be autoclaved. Phenex filters with MBS cannot be autoclaved.
For all 13mm and 25mm Phenex filters, use only syringes larger than 10 cc or 10mL. A smaller syringe may exert too much pressure, causing the membrane to burst. The non-sterile 4mm devices can withstand higher pressures, up to 200 psig, and therefore, syringes as small as 5mL may be used.
An extractable is any chemical that is present in your sample after filtering that was not there before it was introduced to the syringe filter. As such, it is critical to choose the correct syringe filter for the application. In most instances, the membrane is the source of the extractable. However, it could be the polypropylene housing depending on the solvent you are using.
PES (polyethersulfone) syringe filters show low non-specific binding for ionic species, this combined with their hydrophilic properties make them a good choice when the filtration of ionic species is required.
RC filters are good general purpose filters and, of course, are hydrophilic. However, if you are seeing loses when comparing filtered and unfiltered standards (which we recommend doing), then we suggest considering: Nylon, PES, or PVDF as all three of those are hydrophilic.
We would suggest to use the RC membrane for these matrices as it is good for aqueous and mixed-organic solutions.
If the sample is too heavily particulate-laden, any kind of solvent extraction with centrifugation (like QuEChERS) would help. It might simply be enough to spin down the samples and then work with the supernatant. However, it will depend on what is being analyzed - if the analytes are more hydrophobic, there is a chance they will stick to the organic matter which is pelleted during the centrifugation and this is where using ACN would help.