Simplify Sample Prep and Protect Analytical Equipment With Syringe Filters

• Cost-effective, reliable filtration.
• Protect analytical columns and instruments.
• Achieve more reproducible analyses.

The importance of clean sample extracts in maintaining analytical instrumentation cannot be overstated. Particulates commonly found in extracts can quickly damage instrument components, causing costly downtime and repair. Chromatographic columns, injectors, detectors, and small diameter tubing are easily plugged by particulates. Even if plugging does not occur, the slow accumulation of particles over time can affect flow rates and create interferences that reduce overall reproducibility. Clean extracts will greatly extend the life of costly chromatographic columns and replacement parts, particularly for LC systems.

Sample cleanup to remove particulates can be accomplished through the use of inexpensive and easy-to-use syringe filters. These membranes vary in properties and should be selected based on matrix and solvent characteristics (Table I). With a female luer lock inlet and male slip outlet, the syringe filter easily fits onto the end of the disposable syringe containing the sample, as shown in Figure 1. The extract is gently pushed through the filter into a sample vial for injection, removing damaging particulates from the final extract. This connection can be further strengthened by using a syringe with a luer lock tip, creating a more secure connection that can withstand higher filtration pressure.

With a variety of syringe filters available, understanding the role of diameter, pore size, and membrane will aid in proper selection. Sample volume will determine the choice of diameter, ensuring that the filter is not overloaded. Porosity is dependent on application and, in the case of LC, the particle size of the column packing. Tables II and III provide guidelines for selecting filter size and porosity. Use these guides to select the right filter for your application. Investing in inexpensive syringe filters is a cost-effective way to reduce variability and protect expensive equipment.

 

Table I: Membrane selection guide.

Cellulose Acetate, Nylon, PES, PVDF, PP—hydrophilic applications; PTFE—hydrophobic applications.
Membrane	Properties	Applications	Incompatible with
Cellulose Acetate	hydrophilic	aqueous solutions	organic solvents
Nylon	hydrophilic, low protein binding	bases, HPLC solvents, alcohols, aromatic hydrocarbons	acids, aggressive halogenated hydrocarbons, proteins
PES	hydrophilic, low protein binding, fast flow rates	filtration of buffers & culture media	—
PVDF	hydrophilic, low protein binding	alcohols, biomolecules	bases, esters, ethers, ketones
PTFE	hydrophobic	organic solvents, acids, alcohols, bases, aromatics	aqueous samples without pre-wetting (to avoid high back pressure)
Polypropylene (PP)	hydrophilic, low protein binding, high solvent resistance, good thermal compatibility	biological samples, solvents, aqueous solutions	strong oxidizing acids, halogenated and aromatic hydrocarbons

Table II: Size selection guide.

Size	Sample volume
4 mm ID	<1 mL
13 mm ID	1–10 mL
25 mm ID	10–100 mL
30 mm ID	100–200 mL

Table III: Porosity selection guide.

Porosity	LC column compatibility
0.22 µm	Use with ≤3 µm packings or to remove microbial growth
0.45 µm	Use with >3 µm packings

Top 7 Reasons to Use Restek Syringe Filters

1. Protect any analytical system.
2. Extend LC column lifetime.
3. Achieve more reproducible analyses.
4. Variety of membranes, porosities, and diameters available.
5. Luer lock inlet provides strong, leak-tight syringe connection to withstand filtration pressure.
6. Rugged polypropylene construction— autoclavable to 121 °C for 15 minutes (75 psi).
7. Labeled (13, 25, and 30 mm, only) and color coded for easy identification.