A hydrophilic syringe filter is a laboratory filtration device designed for filtering aqueous and water-based solutions. It is attached to a syringe and used to remove particles, microorganisms, and impurities from liquid samples. These filters are widely used in pharmaceutical, biotechnology, food testing, and research laboratories.
What Is a Hydrophilic Syringe Filter?
A hydrophilic syringe filter contains a water-attracting (hydrophilic) membrane that allows liquids to pass through easily without pre-wetting. It provides fast and efficient filtration for polar and water-soluble samples.
Common hydrophilic membrane types include:
- PES (Polyethersulfone)
- Nylon
- Cellulose Acetate (CA)
- PVDF (Hydrophilic)
Key Features of Hydrophilic Syringe Filters
- High flow rate for quick filtration
- Excellent chemical compatibility
- Low protein binding
- High dirt-holding capacity
- Minimal sample loss
- Ready-to-use without pre-wetting
Applications of Hydrophilic Syringe Filters
Hydrophilic syringe filters are commonly used in:
- Pharmaceutical quality testing
- HPLC and GC sample preparation
- Water and environmental analysis
- Biotechnology research
- Food and beverage testing
- Microbiological analysis
Benefits of Using Hydrophilic Syringe Filters
Using hydrophilic syringe filters offers several advantages:
- Ensures clean and particle-free samples
- Improves accuracy of analytical results
- Prevents instrument blockage
- Reduces contamination risk
- Enhances laboratory efficiency
Types of Hydrophilic Syringe Filter Membranes
Different membrane materials are available based on application needs:
PES (Polyethersulfone)
- High flow rate
- Low protein binding
- Ideal for biological samples
Nylon
- Strong and durable
- Broad chemical compatibility
- Suitable for general filtration
Cellulose Acetate (CA)
- Very low protein binding
- Best for sensitive protein samples
Hydrophilic PVDF
- Excellent chemical resistance
- Good for aggressive solvents
How to Use a Hydrophilic Syringe Filter
- Draw the liquid sample into the syringe
- Attach the hydrophilic syringe filter securely
- Apply gentle pressure to push the sample through
- Collect the filtered liquid in a clean container
- Dispose of the filter after single use
Choosing the Right Hydrophilic Syringe Filter
Consider the following factors before selection:
- Membrane material
- Pore size (0.22 µm, 0.45 µm, etc.)
- Filter diameter (13 mm, 25 mm, 33 mm)
- Sample volume
- Chemical compatibility
Common Pore Sizes Available
- 0.22 µm – For sterilization and bacteria removal
- 0.45 µm – For general particle filtration
- 0.8 µm – For coarse filtration
Maintenance and Storage Tips
- Store in a clean, dry place
- Keep in original packaging until use
- Avoid touching the membrane surface
- Use only once for best results
Conclusion
Hydrophilic syringe filters are essential laboratory tools for efficient filtration of aqueous samples. With high flow rates, reliable performance, and wide applications, they ensure accurate and contamination-free results in scientific and industrial testing.
