AMD Manufacturing Membrane Filters are microporous plastic films with specific pore rating sizes. They retain particles or microorganisms larger than their pore size primarily by surface capture. Particles that are smaller than the pore size can be captured by other mechanisms.
Membrane Performance Qualities
- Strong
- Chemically/Biologically Clean
- Thin/High Porosity
- Thermostable
Cellulose Nitrate/MCE. Water extractables are less than 2.5% (wt.) and temperature tolerance up to 127°C. Nitrocellulose membranes and Mixed Cellulose Esters (MCE) are ideal for filtration of aqueous solutions, analytical research and microbiological analyses. The filters are suitable for hybridization studies, immunoassays and cell based assays. The high porosity (80%) makes this the filter of choice where maximum throughput is required.
Cellulose Acetate. Water extractables are less than 0.1 % (wt.) and the temperature tolerance up to 180° C. The intrinsic low binding properties of this filter make it superior where protein loss of the sample is to be minimized. The improved chemical compatibility of this product over cellulose nitrate enable it to be used for filtration of low molecular weight alcohols as well as clarification and sterilization of aquous fluids, alcohols, tissue culture media, protein samples, filtration of radio tracer solutions, opthalmics etc.
Nylon. Water extractables are less than O.3% (wt.) & temperature tolerance up to 180 ° C. Nylon filters display high protein binding properties. Its excellent chemical compatibility with common solvents, bases and esters make it an ideal choice for use in the HPLC laboratory.
PTFE (Polytetrafluorethylene). The hydrophobic nature of teflon and its broad chemical compatibility make it the filter of choice for filtration of air and gases, for use as vents and for clarification of acids, bases and solvents. The teflon membrane needs to be prewet with alcohol before aqueous solutions can be filtered. To overcome problems with handling the teflon membrane is laminated to a polypropylene web support. This lamination process restricts the temperature tolerance of the teflon to that of polypropylene (130°C .)
Silver. The unique chemical and thermal stability make this membrane especially valuable for those applications involving filtration of aggressive fluids and/or use at high temperatures up to 550°C. They are ideal collection media for analysis of crystalline silica by X-Ray diffraction or analysis of organic materials. Silver membrane can be cleaned and reused.
Polycarbonate. Polycarbonate membrane filters are a two dimensional submicron microporous seive consisting of a precisely controlled cylindrical pore structure. The unique characteristics of the filter make it ideally suited in applications where discrete separation or fractionation of particles, or surface capture on a single plane for subsequent microscopic examination is desired. The membrane has negligible water extractables and low non specific binding characteristics. It has good chemical resistance and thermal stability (140° C.) Its resistance to staining make it ideal for use in cytology. Polycarbonate filters have a relatively low porosity, as a result its dirt holding capacity and throughput is limited.
Special Purpose Membrane Filters
Special Purpose Membrane Filters are available in a variety of media and pore sizes. These include Black Polycarbonate membranes for use in epifluorescence microscopy and organism detection. Other special purpose membranes include Polyester and Polycarbonate membranes for use in measuring (AOX) Organic Halides in water and wastewater. For Biological testing, AMD Biological membranes with special gridded surfaces or hydrophobic edges can be used. A special 85 mm Cellulose Acetate membrane is used for rapid enumeration of coliform bacteria in foods.
Filters for Diagnostic Cytology. The use of filters as an aid in Cytodiagnosis has been well documented and accepted. A.M.D. Manufacturing provides both the polycarbonate and cellulose acetate membrane filters to satisfy the critical demands of most users.
