Binding Properties

Since many cell culture media components are heat-sensitive and chemical sterilization methods may leave unwanted by-products, membrane filtration is often the method of choice for sterilizing high value biotechnology products, such as tissue culture media and expensive protein additives.

Researchers must be confident that when these solutions are filtered, either to ensure sterility or to remove particulates, the proteins are not lost.

Because the internal surface area of polymeric microporous membranes is 100–600 times as great as the frontal surface area, there is a vast internal surface area accessible to proteins. Since the nonspecific binding (NSB) of proteins may affect the recovery of expensive final product, selecting the “best” syringe filter is a top priority.

Of all membranes evaluated, the hydrophilic PVDF microporous membrane was found to be extremely inert and the most compatible with protein processing, based on its having both the lowest protein binding properties and the highest product recovery.

It is important to consider all important performance properties when choosing a microporous membrane for filtration of tissue culture media and media additives. These performance characteristics include flow time, filter capacity, protein binding, and bacterial retention.

PES syringe filters offers fast flow, high filter capacity and low protein binding while remaining bacterially retentive. The unique asymmetric structure of these membranes extends their filtration capacity and useful lifetime by allowing them to tolerate higher particle loads and protein concentrations. This structure also yields a filter with a faster flow rate. The process by which the surface of this PES membrane is rendered hydrophilic is responsible for its low protein binding character. The fast flow, low binding, high throughput and bacterial retentive properties of the PES Membrane provides scientists with a reliable, cost effective and time saving membrane for sterile filtration.