Introduction
Sterile filtration is a crucial process in pharmaceuticals, food production, and biotechnology. The dual-layer polyethersulfone (PES) sterilizing membrane is commonly used where high precision and reliability are required. This article explores whether the dual-layer PES membrane is hydrophilic or hydrophobic, its structural design, features, and practical applications.
Material Structure Analysis
- First layer: Small pore size (~0.22 μm) for bacterial and fine particle capture.
- Second layer: Same or slightly smaller pore size for additional retention and load sharing.
Water-based vs Organic Membrane Comparison
| Membrane Type | Representative Material | Features | Common Applications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Water-based | PES, NYLON | Strong hydrophilicity, rapid wetting | Pharmaceutical liquids, drinking water, buffers |
| Organic-based | PTFE, PVDF (hydrophobic) | Strong solvent/acid resistance, hydrophobic | Fermenter air filtration, solvent filtration |
Key Features
- Enhanced sterile assurance — dual retention increases microbial removal.
- Extended lifespan — load sharing between layers reduces clogging.
- Low protein binding — preserves biological activity.
- Autoclavable — withstands repeated steam/hot water sterilization.
Usage Notes
- Suitable for aqueous solutions, buffers, culture media.
- Sterilization: 121℃ steam for 30 minutes or γ-ray sterilization.
- Maximum Differential Pressure: 4 bar (follow manufacturer rating).
- Pre-rinse with sterile water before initial use.
Applications
- Pharmaceuticals: injections, oral liquids, media sterilization.
- Food Industry: sterile beverage filling, dairy filtration.
- Biological Research: cell culture media, enzyme solutions.
Conclusion
The dual-layer PES sterilizing membrane is hydrophilic and water-based, enabling rapid wetting and high precision filtration. It is especially suitable for pharmaceutical, food, and lab sterile filtration applications that demand reliability and long service life.
Purchase Suggestion
For high-quality hydrophilic dual-layer PES sterilizing membranes, contact our team for professional solutions and product selection guidance.