Syringe Filter
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A syringe filter (sometimes called a wheel filter if it has a wheel-like shape) is a single-use filter cartridge. It is attached to the end of a
syringe A syringe is a simple reciprocating pump consisting of a plunger (though in modern syringes, it is actually a piston) that fits tightly within a cylindrical tube called a barrel. The plunger can be linearly pulled and pushed along the inside ...
for use. Syringe filters may have Luer lock fittings, though not universally so. The use of a needle is optional; where desired it may be fitted to the end of the syringe filter. A syringe filter generally consists of a plastic housing with a membrane that serves as a filter. The fluid to be purified may be cleaned only by being pushed through the filter from syringe, it cannot be drawn into the syringe through the filter due to its one way process.


Forms

In scientific applications, the most common sizes available are 0.2 or 0.22 
μm The micrometre (Commonwealth English as used by the International Bureau of Weights and Measures; SI symbol: μm) or micrometer (American English), also commonly known by the non-SI term micron, is a unit of length in the International System ...
and 0.45 μm pores. These sizes are sufficient for
HPLC High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), formerly referred to as high-pressure liquid chromatography, is a technique in analytical chemistry used to separate, identify, and quantify specific components in mixtures. The mixtures can origina ...
use. The smallest known sterile syringe microfilter have pore sizes of 0.02 μm. Membrane diameters of 10 mm, 13 mm, 25 mm are common as well. Some syringe filters for small volumes may not resemble a wheel at all. The syringe filter body may be made of such materials as
polypropylene Polypropylene (PP), also known as polypropene, is a thermoplastic polymer used in a wide variety of applications. It is produced via chain-growth polymerization from the monomer Propene, propylene. Polypropylene belongs to the group of polyolefin ...
and
nylon Nylon is a family of synthetic polymers characterised by amide linkages, typically connecting aliphatic or Polyamide#Classification, semi-aromatic groups. Nylons are generally brownish in color and can possess a soft texture, with some varieti ...
. The filter membrane may be of
PTFE Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) is a synthetic fluoropolymer of tetrafluoroethylene, and has numerous applications because it is chemically inert. The commonly known brand name of PTFE-based composition is Teflon by Chemours, a spin-off fro ...
,
nylon Nylon is a family of synthetic polymers characterised by amide linkages, typically connecting aliphatic or Polyamide#Classification, semi-aromatic groups. Nylons are generally brownish in color and can possess a soft texture, with some varieti ...
, or other treated products for specific purposes. Most manufacturers publish compatibility wallcharts advising users of compatibility between their products and organic solvents or corrosive liquids (e.g.
trifluoroacetic acid Trifluoroacetic acid (TFA) is a synthetic organofluorine compound with the chemical formula CF3CO2H. It belongs to the subclass of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) known as ultrashort-chain perfluoroalkyl acids (PFAAs). TFA is not ...
).


Application

Syringe filters may be used to remove particles from a sample, prior to analysis by
HPLC High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), formerly referred to as high-pressure liquid chromatography, is a technique in analytical chemistry used to separate, identify, and quantify specific components in mixtures. The mixtures can origina ...
or other techniques involving expensive instruments. Particles easily damage an HPLC due to the narrow bore and high pressures within. Syringe filters are quite suitable for
Schlenk line The Schlenk line (also vacuum gas manifold) is a commonly used chemistry apparatus developed by Wilhelm Schlenk. It consists of a dual manifold with several ports. One manifold is connected to a source of purified inert gas, while the other is c ...
work, which makes extensive use of needles and syringes (see
cannula transfer Cannula transfer or cannulation is a set of air-free techniques used with a Schlenk line, in transferring liquid or solution samples between reaction vessels via cannulae, avoiding atmospheric contamination. Syringes are not the same as cannulae, ...
). Being relatively affordable, they may be used for general purpose filtration, especially of smaller volumes where losses by soaking up filter paper are significant. Syringe filters are also available for the filtration of gases, and for the removal of bacteria from a sample. Disk filters are frequently used for the onsite manufacture of parenteral drugs and sterile eye drops, in order to remove microbiological contaminations (sterile filtration).


Harm reduction in recreational drug use

Filters with 0.1 μm compared with 0.2 μm pore size have enhanced bacterial removal according to one study.


See also

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Microfiltration Microfiltration is a type of physical filtration process where a contaminated fluid is passed through a special porosity, pore-sized membrane filter to separate microorganisms and suspended particles from process fluid, liquid. It is commonly used ...
*
Adulteration An adulterant is a substance secretly added to another that may compromise the safety or effectiveness. Typical substances that are adulterated include food, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals or fuels. Definition Adulteration is the practice of secre ...
*
Drug injection Drug injection is a method of introducing a drug into the bloodstream via a hollow hypodermic needle, which is pierced through the skin into the body (usually intravenously, but also at an intramuscular or subcutaneous, location). Intravenous ...


Notes


References

* {{DEFAULTSORT:Syringe Filter Laboratory equipment Medical equipment