Membrane Solutions' RevoSeizer Ultrafiltration Centrifugal Filters enable rapid and efficient concentration and purification of biological samples. They are currently available in three specifications: 0.5 mL, 4 mL, and 15 mL.
Next, let's take a closer look at everything you need to know about ultrafiltration centrifugal filters.
Ultrafiltration centrifugal filters are essential laboratory consumables for the separation and purification of substances. They are filtration devices that incorporate an ultrafiltration membrane within a centrifuge tube and utilize centrifugal force to achieve the separation, concentration, and desalting of biological macromolecules. They typically consist of a concentrator tube with a filtration membrane, an outer tube for collecting the filtrate, and a cap.
The filtration device in the middle can be used either for sample filtration or for sample retention. When the target molecules are significantly smaller than the membrane pore size, ultrafiltration centrifugal filters can be used to remove endotoxins, clarify the sample, and separate macromolecular contaminants. The target sample passes through the membrane and is collected in the centrifuge tube.When the target molecules are much larger than the membrane pore size, small-molecule contaminants are removed, while the target molecules are retained and concentrated in the filtration device.
✦ Effective Filtration Area
The effective filtration area refers to the actual membrane area available for filtering the sample solution in an ultrafiltration centrifugal filter. Its size is directly related to the performance of the filter. Generally, a larger effective membrane area results in higher filtration efficiency. However, if the membrane area is excessively large, the loss of biological sample components during filtration may also increase. To address this, Membrane Solutions ultrafiltration centrifugal filters feature a vertical membrane structure design and utilize low protein-binding PES membranes. These membranes exhibit extremely low binding affinity for proteins and nucleic acids. While ensuring a large filtration area and high flow rate, they also reduce sample accumulation and adsorption on the membrane surface. A larger effective filtration area allows liquids to pass through the membrane more rapidly during filtration, reducing the residence time of samples in the process and thereby lowering the risk of sample degradation.
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Specifications |
15 mL Ultrafiltration Centrifugal Filter |
4 mL Ultrafiltration Centrifugal Filter |
0.5 mL Ultrafiltration Centrifugal Filter |
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Effective Filtration Area |
7.2 cm² |
3.5 cm² |
0.9 cm² |
✦ Maximum Sample Volume
The maximum sample volume refers to the largest amount of sample that an ultrafiltration centrifugal filter can process in a single centrifugation. It is divided into the maximum sample volume for swinging-bucket rotors and fixed-angle rotors, with the swinging-bucket rotor generally allowing a larger maximum sample volume than the fixed-angle rotor. To accommodate experiments of different scales, Membrane Solutions ultrafiltration centrifugal filters are available in 15 mL, 4 mL, and 0.5 mL specifications. This design fully considers the diversity of biological samples and provides flexible options for different sample volumes. It eliminates the need for frequent device replacement, significantly improving experimental convenience and flexibility.
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Specifications |
15 mL Ultrafiltration Centrifugal Filter |
4 mL Ultrafiltration Centrifugal Filter |
0.5 mL Ultrafiltration Centrifugal Filter |
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Maximum Sample Volume |
Fixed-angle: 12 mL Swinging-bucket: 15 mL |
Fixed-angle: 4 mL Swinging-bucket: 4.5 mL |
Fixed-angle: 0.5 mL |
✦ Maximum Centrifugal Force
The maximum centrifugal force refers to the recommended maximum force for the normal operation of ultrafiltration centrifugal filters. It is divided into the maximum centrifugal force for swinging-bucket rotors and fixed-angle rotors. Generally, the maximum centrifugal force for fixed-angle rotors is higher than that for swinging-bucket rotors. During the ultrafiltration process, the magnitude of the centrifugal force directly affects the efficiency of sample concentration. Therefore, users should select an appropriate centrifugal force according to their specific application requirements and operating conditions.
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Specifications |
15 mL Ultrafiltration Centrifugal Filter |
4 mL Ultrafiltration Centrifugal Filter |
0.5 mL Ultrafiltration Centrifugal Filter |
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Maximum Centrifugal Force (Ultra Filtration) |
Swing bucket rotor 4000x g(100KD3000xg) |
Swing bucket rotor 4000x g |
14000x g |
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Fixed angle rotor5000x g(100KD 3000x g) |
Fixed angle rotor 6000x g |
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Centrifuge Type |
Centrifuge standard 50mL conical tubes |
Centrifuge standard 15mL conical tubes |
Centrifuge standard 1.5mL conical tubes |
✦ Locking Volume
The locking volume is the physical stop point within the device that prevents the sample from drying out and being lost due to over-centrifugation. It represents the final retained volume that does not change with centrifugation time. Membrane Solutions ultrafiltration centrifugal filters are designed with an anti-dry sample stop groove at the bottom of the filtration device, which helps prevent samples from being excessively centrifuged and dried out.
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Specifications |
15 mL Ultrafiltration Centrifugal Filter |
4 mL Ultrafiltration Centrifugal Filter |
0.5 mL Ultrafiltration Centrifugal Filter |
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Locking Volume |
300μL |
5-100μL |
10-20μL |
✦ Molecular Weight Cut-Off (MWCO)
Molecular Weight Cut-Off (MWCO) describes the retention performance of an ultrafiltration membrane in terms of molecular weight and is also referred to as the membrane’s cutoff value. Membrane Solutions ultrafiltration centrifugal filters provide a variety of molecular weight cut-off (MWCO) specifications, including 5 kDa, 10 kDa, 30 kDa, 50 kDa, and 100 kDa. Suitable filters can be selected for applications ranging from small peptides to larger proteins and nucleic acids. In general, selecting a filtration membrane with an appropriate pore size based on the characteristics of the sample is key to achieving optimal performance of ultrafiltration centrifugal filters. It is recommended to conduct preliminary experiments to determine the most suitable pore size. It is generally recommended that the molecular weight of the target molecule be at least three times the membrane MWCO.
✦ Flow Rate
Flow rate refers to the speed at which an ultrafiltration centrifugal filter processes a sample during filtration. Factors affecting the filtration rate include the sample concentration, initial volume, chemical properties of the solute, relative centrifugal force, centrifuge rotor angle, membrane type, effective filtration area, and temperature.
Relationship Curve Between Filtrate Volume and Centrifugation Time for Ultrafiltration Centrifugal Filters
✦ Recovery Rate
Recovery rate refers to the percentage of the original sample that can be recovered after processing with an ultrafiltration centrifugal filter. For solutes with molecular weights close to the MWCO, only partial retention may occur. To achieve optimal retention characteristics, use a membrane with a MWCO at least three times larger than the molecular weight of the solute. Membrane Solutions ultrafiltration centrifugal filters can achieve a recovery rate of over 90%.
Ultrafiltration Centrifugal Filters
Precautions for Use
🔹Selecting the Right Centrifugal Filter:
By Volume: Choose the filter size (0.5 mL, 4 mL, 15 mL) based on your sample processing volume.
Membrane pore size selection: Selecting a filtration membrane with an appropriate pore size based on the characteristics of the sample is key to achieving optimal performance of ultrafiltration centrifugal filters. It is recommended to conduct preliminary experiments to determine the most suitable pore size. In general, the molecular weight of the retained sample should be no less than three times the membrane MWCO.
🔹Pre-treatment Before Using Ultrafiltration Centrifugal Filters
The PES membrane in the ultrafiltration section of the centrifugal filter contains trace amounts of glycerol and protective agents. To avoid interference with analysis, filter deionized water (4 mL for the 4 mL filter, 15 mL for the 15 mL filter, and 0.5 mL for the 0.5 mL filter) or buffer through the membrane before use, and repeat the process to remove them. If further flushing is required, start with 0.05 NaOH and repeat the procedure. Once the centrifugal filter is wetted, it should be kept moist until it has been fully used.
Hopefully, this gives you a clearer understanding of how our RevoSeizer Ultrafiltration Centrifugal Filters can streamline your workflow. Membrane Solutions offers 4 mL, 15 mL, and 0.5 mL ultrafiltration centrifugal filters. The 4 mL filter can rapidly and efficiently concentrate and purify up to 4.5 mL of biological samples, the 15 mL filter can handle up to 15 mL, and the 0.5 mL filter can process up to 0.5 mL of biological samples quickly and efficiently.
RevoSeizer Centrifugal Filters Selection Guide
RevoSeizer centrifugal filters should be selected based on starting sample volume, target protein molecular weight or particle size, concentration factor, centrifugation parameters, etc. The table below provides some reference suggestions for selecting the most appropriate MWCO UF tube.
Interested in optimizing your sample preparation? Contact us today for more information or to request a free sample.