Nylon Syringe filters are highly recommended in Pharmaceutical lab analysis due to their hydrophilic characteristics. These syringe filters are recommended for applications where low extractable is needed. Nylon membrane filters also have a greater chemical resistance that makes them an ideal choice for filtering aggressive solutions tested in pharmaceutical R&D labs. Here are important steps that would help you choose the right type of Nylon membrane syringe filter.
Step One- Matching the Application with a Pore Size
In any application, you need to first determine the particle size that needs to be retained or filtered. Nylon membranes retain all particles equal to or greater than their designated pore size. Routine laboratory sterilization of samples is accomplished with 0.2 or 0.22 µm pore filter membranes. Prefiltration and clarification of solvents can be done with 0.45 µm or larger Nylon filter membranes.
Step Two- Selecting the Best Housing Material and Membrane for Your Application
The Nylon membrane of the syringe filter should be compatible with the chemical characteristics of the sample. The Nylon membrane should be compatible with a wide range of aqueous and organic solvents. The membrane should also have high resistance to HPLC solvents and chemicals.
The filter housing material should be also compatible with the chemical characteristics of the sample. You need to look for Polypropylene housing material as it has good resistance to many solvents. For example, Polypropylene is recommended for solvents like weak and strong acids, Alcohols and Aldehydes, Aliphatic Amines and Aromatic Amines, and Bases. Polypropylene housing material might also work well in filtration of Esters, Hydrocarbons, and Ketones.
Step Three – Select Correct Filter Area for Right Throughput And Optimization Of Flow Rate
You need to select Nylon Syringe filters with right filter area size that will ensure you have enough volume capacity and throughput to process your sample efficiently and quickly. This can be easily determined by the surface area of the membrane filter. For example, a filter area of 4.8 cm2 will have a throughput of 10 to 50 ml.
Step Four- Select the Right Filter Design for Application
The disc type filters are ideal for syringes that serve as a pressure source and fluid reservoir. You need to look for HPLC-certified non-sterile syringe filters with Polypropylene housing that has good chemical resistance.
Step Five- Pay Attention to the Fluid Temperature of the Sample
When selecting a Nylon membrane syringe filter, you should take note of the sample temperature and maximum temperature rating of the membrane filter. The reason is an increase in the temperature of cell culture medium from 4° C to 37°C will result in doubling of the flow rate. Similarly, filtration at lower temperatures may increase the overall throughput.
These are the five important steps to follow to select right Nylon membrane syringe for lab testing analysis in the pharmaceutical industry.
