Is There a Universal Membrane for Syringe Filters?

While it would be convenient to have one universal membrane for all HPLC syringe filters, the reality is that no single membrane can meet every application’s requirements. Each membrane type offers unique characteristics that make it ideal for certain solvents, analytes, or workflows—but not others. The two most important considerations when selecting a syringe filter membrane are solvent compatibility (aqueous vs. organic) and protein binding (whether low-binding is necessary for your samples).

Choosing the Right Syringe Filter Membrane

Below is a breakdown of the most common membrane types used in chromatography and life science applications, including Chrom Tech’s color-coded identification system for quick reference.

Nylon (Blue Ring)

Best for: General laboratory use and HPLC sample preparation (when protein recovery is not a concern).
Properties: Nylon is mechanically strong, solvent-resistant, and exhibits low extractables. It is compatible with both aqueous and organic solvents, making it one of the most versatile and cost-effective membranes. However, it does bind proteins, which can interfere with analyses involving peptides or biomolecules.
Chrom Tech Tip: Our Nylon syringe filters feature a blue color-coded ring for quick identification.

PVDF (Yellow Ring)

Best for: HPLC sample filtration and biological applications requiring low protein binding.
Properties: Polyvinylidene difluoride (PVDF) is both solvent-resistant and compatible with aqueous and organic solvents. It exhibits low levels of UV-absorbing extractables and offers low protein binding—making it suitable for analytical and biochemical sample prep.
Chrom Tech Tip: Our PVDF syringe filters have a yellow color-coded ring for easy identification.

PES (Green Ring)

Best for: Filtration of proteins, nucleic acids, and ion chromatography samples.
Properties: Polyethersulfone (PES) combines low protein binding with compatibility for both aqueous and organic solvents. It is durable, hydrophilic, and exhibits very low levels of inorganic extractables. Common uses include tissue culture filtration and biological sample preparation.
Chrom Tech Tip: Our PES syringe filters feature a green color-coded ring.

PTFE (Red Ring)

Best for: Filtration of organic solvents, strong acids, and bases.
Properties: Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) is hydrophobic and highly chemically resistant, making it ideal for aggressive organic solvents. However, because it repels water, PTFE membranes cannot be used with purely aqueous samples unless pre-wetted with an organic solvent.
Chrom Tech Tip: Our PTFE syringe filters have a red color-coded ring for instant recognition.

CA (Orange Ring)

Best for: Aqueous-based samples requiring maximum protein recovery.
Properties: Cellulose acetate (CA) is highly hydrophilic and provides very low protein binding—even lower than PVDF. It is ideal for aqueous solutions, biological fluids, and protein-based assays. However, CA is not compatible with most organic solvents.
Chrom Tech Tip: Our CA syringe filters feature an orange color-coded ring for identification.

Selecting the Best Membrane for Your Application

Although there is no true “universal” membrane, one or two options may meet the majority of your laboratory’s needs depending on your solvent systems and sample types. For example:

• General HPLC filtration: Nylon or PVDF
• Protein and enzyme samples: CA or PES
• Organic solvent filtration: PTFE
• Mixed aqueous/organic samples: PVDF or PES

Choosing the right membrane not only ensures accurate chromatographic results but also extends column life by preventing particulate contamination. For help determining which syringe filter is best suited for your workflow, please contact Chrom Tech’s technical support team. We stock a full selection of HPLC syringe filters in all major membrane types to cover virtually any laboratory application.