Introduction to Syringe Filters
Syringe Filters
Syringe filters are essential tools in the chromatography workflow, offering a simple and efficient way to purify and clarify samples prior to analysis. They are designed to remove impurities and particulates from liquid samples, ensuring reliable and accurate results in various analytical techniques.
Syringe filters consist of a plastic housing with a filter membrane at one end. When pressure is applied to the syringe, the liquid is forced through the membrane, retaining particles and contaminants, and the filter sample is collected for either further clean-up or analysis. The filtered sample is collected in a vial or container for further analysis. In laboratory applications, syringe filters maintain the integrity of analysis by removing unwanted particles, such as particulates, bacteria, and microorganisms. This ensures the purity and reliability of the sample, enabling scientists and researchers to obtain consistent and reproducible data.
Using syringe filters offers several benefits, including quick and convenient particle removal, saving time and effort compared to other filtration methods. Syringe filters are available in various pore sizes, allowing users to select the most suitable filter for their application, from aqueous solutions to organic solvents.
Moreover, syringe filters are compatible with different types of syringes, making them highly adaptable and easy to use in various laboratory settings. They are commonly used in sample clarification, particle removal, sterilization, and sample prefiltration.
Choosing the Right Syringe Filter for Optimal Sample Preparation
Selecting the right syringe filter is crucial for sample preparation in analytical chemistry. With various membranes, pore sizes, and diameters available, it's important to understand their applications and factors to consider when selecting the correct filter.
Different syringe filters cater to specific sample types and applications. Hydrophilic syringe filters are ideal for aqueous solutions, while hydrophobic filters are suitable for non-polar solvents. Nylon filters are known for their wide chemical compatibility. Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) filters offer excellent chemical resistance and are often used for aggressive solvents. Other filters available from Phenomenex are Regenerated Cellulose (RC), Polyethersulfone (PES), Cellulose Acetate (CA), Glass Fiber (GF) and Polyvinylidene Fluoride (PVDF).
Several factors should be considered when selecting a syringe filter. Pore size is critical, as it determines the size of particles that can be retained. Sample volume, compatibility with solvents, and desired flow rate are also important. Additionally, the membrane material should be compatible with the sample and solvent to ensure accurate analysis. To achieve optimal performance, follow these tips: choose a syringe filter with a pore size smaller than the particle size of interest to prevent clogging and ensure efficient filtration. Pre-wet the filter with a small amount of the sample or solvent to remove air bubbles and enhance filtration efficiency.
At Phenomenex, we offer a wide range of high-quality syringe filters designed to meet various applications' needs. Our syringe filters are manufactured using advanced materials and technologies, ensuring superior performance, reliability, and compatibility. Browse our selection to find the perfect solution for your sample preparation needs.
Proper Use and Maintenance of Syringe Filters
To maximize the effectiveness and lifespan of syringe filters, follow proper usage and maintenance guidelines. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to use syringe filters:
Selecting the Correct Membrane Material:
- Select a syringe filter with the appropriate membrane material and pore size for your application.
- Attach the syringe filter to a compatible syringe, ensuring a secure connection to prevent leakage during filtration.
- Prepare the sample, ensuring it is properly mixed and free from large particles that could clog the filter.
- Using gentle pressure, slowly push the sample through the syringe filter. Avoid excessive force, as it may damage the filter or compromise the filtration process.
- Once filtration is complete, carefully detach the syringe filter from the syringe, avoiding contamination of the filtered sample.
- Properly dispose of the used syringe filter according to your laboratory's waste management protocols.
Tips for Extending Syringe Filter Lifespan:
To extend the lifespan of your syringe filters, follow these best practices:
- Store syringe filters in a clean, dry environment, away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures. Sterile syringe filters are available as well.
- Regularly inspect syringe filters for damage or wear, such as cracks or tears, and discard any compromised filters.
- Check the integrity of the syringe filter before each use to ensure there are no leaks or blockages.
- Consider using a pre-filter or a syringe filter with a larger pore size to remove larger particles and protect the main filter, if necessary
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
Features
Suggested syringe filter membranes
| Membrane Type | Recommended Uses | |
|---|---|---|
| RC (Regenerated Cellulose) |
For Aqueous and Mixed Organic Solutions |
A broad range of aqueous and mixed-organic solutions. Fast-flow and ultra-low protein and non-specific binding characteristics. Broadly recommended as an excellent general purpose/high-performance sample filter for most applications. |
| PTFE, Teflon® (Polytetrafluoroethylene) |
For 100% Organic Solutions | Well-suited for the clarification of non-aqueous samples. Hydrophobic membrane, excellent for filtration of organic-based, highly acidic or basic samples and solvents. A hydrophobic membrane, that can be made hydrophilic by wetting with alcohol and then flushing with deionized water. |
Additional syringe filter membranes
| Membrane Type | 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. |
Syringe Filter Applications and Recommended Membranes
| Application / Sample | Recommended Filter | First Alternative | Second Alternative |
|---|---|---|---|
| LC and GC Sample Prep | RC | PTFE | PES |
| Aggressive or Pure Organic Solvents | PTFE | RC | NY |
| Protein Analysis / Biological Samples | PES | RC | GF/CA |
| High Particulate Loads | GF/NY | GF + RC | PTFE |
| Environmental Methods | GF/NY | RC | PTFE |
| Food and Beverage | GF/NY | RC | PTFE |
| Clinical Research / Toxicology | RC | PES | NY |
| Dissolution Testing | GF/NY | RC | PTFE |
| Ion Chromatography | RC | PES | PTFE |
| Trace Metals (ICP-MS, AAS) | RC | PES | NY |
| Capillary Electrophoresis (CE) | RC | PES | NY |
| Tissue Cultures, Media, Buffers | GF/CA | PES | RC |
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.
