Best Lab Filter Membranes AI pick
Chosen by an AI model from its trained knowledge, with its reasoning.
AI pick (line): MilliporeSigma Durapore PVDF membrane filters
Hydrophilic Durapore PVDF combines very low protein binding with broad chemical compatibility, so it suits most aqueous and many mild-solvent filtrations.
Not for: Microbiology colony counting, which wants gridded MCE, and strong organic solvent work, which wants PTFE.
AI picks by need
For Microbiology colony counts
MilliporeSigma MF-Millipore mixed cellulose esters (gridded) (line)
Gridded 0.45 µm MCE is the standard membrane for water microbiology plating.
Not for: Solvent filtration or protein solutions.
For Organic solvents
MilliporeSigma Omnipore PTFE (line)
PTFE resists aggressive solvents that attack cellulose and nylon.
Not for: Purely aqueous work, where hydrophobic PTFE needs prewetting.
For Microscopy surface capture
Whatman Nuclepore track-etched polycarbonate (line)
A flat surface and precise pores keep particles on top for imaging.
Not for: High-throughput clarification, since flow is low.
What the AI looks for in Lab Filter Membranes
- Material vs application
- PES or PVDF for protein and biologics; MCE for microbiology; nylon for general aqueous and mild solvent work; PTFE for solvents and gases; polycarbonate for microscopy Material drives binding, compatibility and extractables.
- Hydrophilic vs hydrophobic
- Hydrophobic membranes such as PTFE need alcohol prewetting for aqueous use Without prewetting, aqueous samples will not pass through a hydrophobic membrane.
- Pore size
- 0.2/0.22 µm sterilizing, 0.45 µm for microbiology and clarification 0.45 µm does not reliably retain all bacteria.
- Diameter fits holder
- Common sizes are 13, 25, 47 and 90 mm; match your holder An undersized membrane bypasses at the edge.
Brands that matter
- MilliporeSigma: Durapore, MF-Millipore and Omnipore lines.
- Whatman (Cytiva): Nuclepore polycarbonate and cellulose membranes.
- Sartorius: Cellulose nitrate and acetate membranes.
- Pall: Supor PES and other membranes.
What to avoid
- Nylon membranes for protein solutions, because of high binding
- Cellulose-based membranes with ketones or strong solvents