Syringe filters - sterile

Can you provide more information about sterile syringe filters by Cytiva?

Sterile syringe filters clarify and sterilize small-volume liquids. Available in 4–37 mm sizes, 0.1–5 µm pores. Membranes: PES, PVDF, Nylon, PTFE, wwPTFE. Brands include Whatman™, Puradisc™, Acrodisc™, Mini-UniPrep™, and GD/X™.

What is the difference between sterile and non-sterile syringe filters?

Sterile syringe filters are used to sterilize non-sterile solutions or clarify sterile solutions. Non-sterile syringe filters are designed for general laboratory filtration applications where sterility is not a primary concern. They are typically used for purification or removal of particulate matter from non-sterile solutions.

What are sterile syringe filters used for?

Sterile syringe filters are used to sterilize non-sterile solutions or clarify sterile solutions.

How do I choose the right pore size for my application?

Select the best syringe filter pore size based on the particles in your sample:

• 45 µm for general filtration
• 2 µm for sterilization
• 1 µm for finer removal like mycoplasma.

Finer pores require more pressure and may clog faster. For particle-heavy samples, use a glass fiber pre-filter or a 2-in-1 filter with a built-in pre-filter to maintain flow and prevent clogging.

Which membrane type should I use?

Choose PES or PVDF membranes for sterile filtration of aqueous or biological samples. Use PTFE or wwPTFE for solvents. 0.2 µm is standard for sterilization and 0.1 µm for finer filtration like mycoplasma removal.

Are sterile syringe filters reusable?

No, sterile syringe filters are considered single-use and not reusable.

What size syringe filter should I use for my sample volume?

The size of the syringe filter you should use depends on the volume of your sample:

• For very small volumes under 1 mL, a 4 mm filter is typically sufficient.
• For 1 to 10 mL of liquid, a 13 mm filter is recommended.
• For medium volumes between 10 and 100 mL, a 25 mm filter offers better flow and capacity.
• For larger volumes exceeding 100 mL, consider using a 32 mm or 37 mm filter for efficient filtration and prevent clogging.

Choosing the right size helps maintain flow rate, reduces back pressure, and improves overall filtration performance.

How do I store sterile syringe filters?

Store sterile syringe filters in their original packaging until use to maintain sterility.