Fish & Aquatic

The Best Lab Filter Membranes

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Our picks are based on Amazon bestseller rankings, verified customer ratings, and product availability. We update our recommendations regularly to ensure accuracy.

Lab filter membranes are critical components in various scientific and industrial applications, including sample preparation, microbial analysis, and general laboratory filtration. These membranes are essential for separating particles from liquids or gases, ensuring sample purity and integrity. Products were evaluated based on membrane material composition, pore size, diameter, sterility, grid presence, and overall feature analysis.

Best Overall
Locofiltr MCE Membrane Filter, Sterile, 47mm, 0.45µm, Hydrophilic, Individually Wrapped, Black Grid, Pack of 100, Mixed Cellulose Esters Paper Disc Filters

Locofiltr MCE Membrane Filter, Sterile, 47mm, 0.45µm, Hydrophilic, Individually Wrapped, Black Grid, Pack of 100, Mixed Cellulose Esters Paper Disc Filters

$24.69

The Locofiltr MCE membrane offers sterile, individually wrapped, gridded filters, providing a versatile and reliable option for general and microbiological lab applications.

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Best Budget
100Pcs/Pack MCE Membrane Filters, Round Mixed Cellulose Esters Lab Filter Paper, Hydrophilic Filter Paper 0.22µm Pore Size, 50mm Diameter,Non Sterile

100Pcs/Pack MCE Membrane Filters, Round Mixed Cellulose Esters Lab Filter Paper, Hydrophilic Filter Paper 0.22µm Pore Size, 50mm Diameter,Non Sterile

$18.99

LVDALAB's non-sterile MCE membranes come in a convenient 100-pack with a fast filtration speed, making them suitable for cost-effective, high-volume general lab work where sterility is not paramount.

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Best Premium

Labfil's Hydrophobic PTFE membranes are engineered for superior chemical resistance and high-temperature applications, making them ideal for filtering aggressive solvents.

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No. 1
stonylab Nylon Membrane Filters, Hydrophilic Nylon Membrane Disc Filters with 0.45 μm Pore Size and 94 mm...
  • StonyLab nylon membrane filters are ideal to use in chromatography and a wide range of biological preparations to retain particles, filter samples, vacuum degassing, and more; suitable for aqueous, HPLC, and most organic solvent
  • 50-pack
  • 3.7 inches diameter and 0.45 μm pore size
  • Nylon membrane is hydrophilic and has high protein binding as well as great chemical resistance
  • Warranty: StonyLab 1-year limited warranty; if received damaged, please contact us immediately; we will solve it until satisfied
SaleNo. 2
MCE Membrane Filter, Sterile, 47mm, 0.45µm, Individually Wrapped, 100 Pack
  • Mixed cellulose ester (MCE) hydrophilic membrane, designed for microbial colony counting and water sample lab analysis.
  • Smoother uniform surface compared to pure nitrocellulose filters, low extractables for stable test results.
  • 3.1 mm non-interfering grid lines provide clear contrast for easy accurate colony counting.
  • Uniform microporous structure supports fast filtration flow rate for higher lab processing efficiency.
  • Large internal surface area offers strong adsorption and excellent anti-clogging dirt holding capacity.
  • Each gridded disc individually packaged, via 25 kGrey gamma Irradiation for packaging sterility.
  • Manufactured following ISO 9001 : 2015 standards for consistent lab-grade performance.
  • Diameter: 47 mm; Pore Size: 0.45 μm; Sterility: Sterile; Wetability: Hydrophilic; Pack Size: Individually packaged, 100/pk
No. 3
Membrane Solutions MCE Gridded Membrane Filter, Mixed Cellulose Esters Membrane Filter, Sterile Individual...
  • APPLICATION: Mixed Cellulose Ester (MCE) membrane Filter is composed of cellulose acetate and cellulose nitrate, which is higly biologically inert and widely used in Microboilogical analysis of water, wastewater, cosmetic, pharmaceuticals and beverages.
  • HIGH QUALITY MEMBRANE: Sterile gridded membrane filter is without support layer naturally hydrophilic membrane, ideal for Colony Counting and Sterility Testing, and our MCE membrane with ISO 9001 certificated and meet ISO 7704 requirements.
  • GRID LINES: Gridded filters have clearly defined grid lines spaced at 3.1 mm intervals. Contrasting grid lines facilitate counting colonies on the filter surface and are tested to assure freedom from grid line inhibition.
  • HIGH POROSITY: Microbail membrane filter have high porosity allows gases and liquids to provide high filtration rates in every area. High porosity also provides a large surface area for adsorption and binding.
  • STERILE INDIVIDUAL PACKAGE: Membrane filter disc filters sterilized by 25 kGrey gamma radiation, sterile-sealed without protective paper, placed on a band in individual packages. This special setting ensures each membrane filter will stay perfectly flat...
  • Note: The product is not capable of sterilization; it is supplied as sterile following irradiation processing.
No. 4
Dinglab PP Membrane Filter,Polypropylene Disc Membrane Micrometer Filter,Microporous Membrane,Micron Millipore...
  • PP Membrane Filter
  • Outer Diameter Various Options
  • Made By Polytetrafluoroethylene
  • Pore Size Various Options
  • Outer Diameter Various Options
  • Country/Region of Manufacture: China
No. 5
OMICRON® 160047X Cellulose Nitrate Membrane Filters, Plain, 47mm, 0.45µm, Non-Sterile, 100/Pack (Closely...
  • Consistent flow and diffusion rates | High Flow rate and throughput | High non-specific adsorption | Lot-to-lot consistency | Low extractables
  • Sample Sterilization | Microbiological analyses | Food and beverage applications | Biological assays | Gravimetric analysis
  • Filter Media: Cellulose Nitrate (C.N.) | Color/Surface: White/Plain | Wettability: Hydrophilic
  • Typical Thickness: 140 ± 10 μm | Wetting Time: ≤ 5 sec | Gravimetric Extractions: ≤ 2%
  • Binding Capacity: 80-110 μg/cm2 | Max Operating Temp.: 550°C | Applicable pH Range: 4-8 | Porosity: 80%
  • Bubble Point: ≥ 30 psi | Water Flow: ≥ 85 ml/min | Burst Strength: ≥ 40 psi
No. 6
64Pcs 20mm Diameter Synthetic Filter disc Hydrophobic PTFE Membrane 0.3um Pore Size Strong Adhesive for...
  • Diameter:20mm,0.3um Pore size,Hydrophobic PTFE membrane ,waterproof and air exchange for Mushroom cultivation,best for mycology jar lid .
  • Strong adhesive:these synthetic filter paper can be attached to the hole of mason jar lids and you need to clean and dry the surface before sticking filter patch
  • High temperture resistance:these disc filters feature outstanding heat resistance and pressure resistance, which can be applied to your autoclaves,press cooker and steam sterilizer.
  • High filter rate: these adhesive patches have a filtration rate of 99.97% ,can filter 0.3 μm object ,for gas exchange
  • Easy to apply:breathable,durable and reusable
SaleNo. 7
SimPure MCE Gridded Membrane Filter Sterile, 47mm Diameter and 0.45um Pore Size, Individual Pack Membrane Disc...
  • SimPure Mixed Cellulose Ester (MCE) membrane filter is composed of cellulose acetate and cellulose nitrate. the MCE membrane is biologically inert, it is one of the most widely used membranes in analytical and research applications
  • Gridded filters have clearly defined grid lines spaced at 3.1 mm intervals. The special ink used is non-toxic and completely free from bacterail growth inhibitors
  • The gridded Mixed Cellulose Ester (MCE) membrane are ideal for colony counting and sterility testing
  • The gridlines on the membrane's surface eliminate eye fatigue during colony-counting without affecting the growth of colonies. And allows color reactions to be easily observed
  • Sterile gridded MCE membranes are unsupported, naturally hydrophilic membranes
  • This product does not capable of sterilization. It has been rendered sterile through terminal sterilization by irradiation as part of its manufacturing process.
No. 8
Membrane Solutions 10 Pack Syringe Filter Sterile PES Hydrophilic Filtration 0.22um Pore Size, 33mm Membrane...
  • VARIOUS APPLICATION - Needle Syringe syringe filter is a miniature device used for liquid sample filtration, typically paired with a syringe. Its primary purpose is to remove particles, or other impurities from solutions, ensuring sample purity.
  • HIGH QUALITY FILTERS - Membrane Solutions sterile syringe filters with extremely high microbial filtration capacity and unique threaded interface design with ISO 9001 certificated.
  • PES MEMBRENA - Sterile Polyethersulfone (PES) needle filters have Polyethersulfone microporous membrane, belongs to hydrophilic membrane, high flow and lowest protein adsorption, which can meet the broadly applications, such as buffer, protein, culture...
  • STERILE SYRINGE FILTERS - sterile syringe filters are made with PES membrane filters with polypropylene (PP) housing, using the most advanced methods and design features. The PES syringe filters with GF pre-filter has excellent dirt-holding capacity...
  • UNIFORM PORE SIZE - Sterile PES Syringe Filter with uniform pore size structure; wide pore size selection, retention of granule cell collection. PES Syringe Filter Diameter: 33mm, 0.22um pore size.
  • 5 YEAR SHELF LIFE: All products have a 5-year shelf life from manufacture date. Refer to batch code on package for exact expiration date.
  • Note: The product is not capable of sterilization; it is supplied as sterile following irradiation processing.
No. 9
Deschem 50mm 1um Hydrophobic PTFE Membrane Filter OD 5CM Made by Polytetrafluoroethylene 50 Sheet/Pack
  • Brand: Deschem
  • Country/Region of Manufacture: China
  • Model: 50mm
  • Made By Polytetrafluoroethylene
  • Pore Size 1um
No. 10
MCE Membrane Filter, Sterile, 47mm, 0.45µm, Individually Wrapped, 30 Pack
  • Mixed cellulose ester (MCE) hydrophilic membrane, designed for microbial colony counting and water sample lab analysis.
  • Smoother uniform surface compared to pure nitrocellulose filters, low extractables for stable test results.
  • 3.1 mm non-interfering grid lines provide clear contrast for easy accurate colony counting.
  • Uniform microporous structure supports fast filtration flow rate for higher lab processing efficiency.
  • Large internal surface area offers strong adsorption and excellent anti-clogging dirt holding capacity.
  • Each gridded disc individually packaged, via 25 kGrey gamma Irradiation for packaging sterility.
  • Manufactured following ISO 9001 : 2015 standards for consistent lab-grade performance.
  • Diameter: 47 mm; Pore Size: 0.45 μm; Sterility: Sterile; Wetability: Hydrophilic; Pack Size: Individually packaged, 30/pk

Last update on 2026-07-17 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

How to Choose the Best Lab Filter Membranes

Membrane Material and Chemical Compatibility

The choice of membrane material is often the most critical decision, directly impacting chemical compatibility and application suitability. Mixed Cellulose Ester (MCE) membranes, such as those from Locofiltr and Membrane Solutions, are typically composed of cellulose acetate and cellulose nitrate, making them hydrophilic and widely used for aqueous solutions and microbial analysis. Users often report MCE membranes as providing excellent contrast for particle detection due to their composition. For applications involving organic solvents or aggressive chemicals, a Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) membrane, like the hydrophobic options from Labfil, is generally preferred due to its superior chemical resistance. Nylon membranes, offered by brands like stonylab and Xin Tester, are also hydrophilic and often utilized in chromatography and various biological preparations, known for their strength and broad chemical resistance to many organic solvents, though not as universal as PTFE for highly aggressive acids or bases.

Pore Size and Application Specificity

Pore size dictates what particles or microorganisms a membrane can retain, and selecting the correct size is crucial for effective filtration. A 0.45 µm pore size, found in products like the Locofiltr and Membrane Solutions MCE filters, is typically employed for general particulate removal and microbial enumeration where bacteria are collected on the surface. For sterilization applications, where complete removal of bacteria is necessary, a 0.22 µm pore size membrane, such as the LVDALAB MCE or Labfil PTFE filters, is the standard. Larger pore sizes, like the 10 µm offered by Xin Tester Nylon filters, are suitable for pre-filtration or filtering larger particles. In practice, the desired level of clarity or sterility of the filtrate will guide this selection.

Sterility, Gridding, and Diameter

For sensitive applications, particularly in microbiology, the sterility of the membrane is paramount. Products like the Locofiltr and Membrane Solutions MCE filters are sterile and individually wrapped, which is essential for preventing contamination during microbial analysis or cell culture work. Non-sterile membranes, such as those from LVDALAB, are typically used for general laboratory filtration where sterility is not a primary concern. Gridded membranes, also offered by Locofiltr and Membrane Solutions, feature clearly defined grid lines that facilitate easy and accurate colony counting in microbiological assays. Finally, membrane diameter is a practical consideration, as it must match the filtration apparatus. Common diameters include 47 mm (Locofiltr, Membrane Solutions, Labfil) for standard filter holders and 50 mm (LVDALAB, Xin Tester) for others, with larger options like 94 mm (stonylab) available for high-volume filtration.

Pros & Cons

Locofiltr MCE Membrane Filter, Sterile, 47mm, 0.45µm, Hydrophilic, Individually Wrapped, Black Grid, Pack of 100, Mixed Cellulose Esters Paper Disc Filters

Pros

  • Sterile and individually wrapped, ensuring sample integrity and ease of use in sensitive applications.
  • Gridded design provides excellent contrast for easy particle detection and microbial colony counting.
  • Hydrophilic Mixed Cellulose Ester (MCE) material is suitable for a wide range of aqueous samples.

Cons

  • MCE material may not be suitable for aggressive organic solvents or strong acids/bases.
  • 0.45µm pore size is for particle removal and enumeration, not absolute sterilization.

100Pcs/Pack MCE Membrane Filters, Round Mixed Cellulose Esters Lab Filter Paper, Hydrophilic Filter Paper 0.22µm Pore Size, 50mm Diameter,Non Sterile

Pros

  • Features a 0.22µm pore size, suitable for sterilization applications by retaining bacteria.
  • Made of refined nitrocellulose with cellulose acetate, offering good general compatibility for many lab uses.
  • Designed for fast filtration speed, which can improve throughput for liquid processing.

Cons

  • Non-sterile, requiring additional precautions or post-filtration sterilization for critical applications.
  • MCE composition limits use with certain organic solvents or highly corrosive liquids.

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Pros

  • Hydrophobic PTFE membrane offers superior chemical resistance for strong acid and alkali solvent filtration.
  • Exhibits great temperature resistance, expanding its utility in demanding conditions.
  • 0.22µm pore size allows for effective sterilization of compatible solutions.

Cons

  • Hydrophobic nature requires pre-wetting with an alcohol for aqueous samples, adding a step.
  • PTFE membranes can be more expensive than MCE or Nylon alternatives, impacting budget considerations.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Incorrect Pore Size for Sterilization

A frequent error observed in laboratories involves selecting a 0.45 µm pore size membrane, such as the Locofiltr MCE Membrane Filter or Membrane Solutions MCE Gridded Membrane Filter, when absolute sterilization is required. While 0.45 µm is effective for retaining most bacteria for enumeration or general particulate removal, it does not guarantee sterilization. For bacterial sterilization, a 0.22 µm pore size, as seen in the LVDALAB MCE Membrane Filters or Labfil Hydrophobic PTFE Disc Membrane Filters, is the recognized standard for retaining all common bacteria.

Using Hydrophilic Membranes with Aggressive Solvents

Another common misstep is attempting to filter harsh organic solvents or highly corrosive solutions with standard hydrophilic membranes, like those made of Mixed Cellulose Esters (MCE) from LVDALAB or Membrane Solutions. These materials are not typically designed for such aggressive chemistries and can degrade, contaminate the filtrate, or fail during filtration. For these applications, a chemically resistant, often hydrophobic, material such as a PTFE membrane (e.g., Labfil Hydrophobic PTFE Disc Membrane Filters) is essential to maintain membrane integrity and sample purity.

Overlooking Sterility for Microbiological Work

Forgetting to specify sterile membranes for critical microbiological applications can lead to compromised results. Utilizing a non-sterile membrane, such as the LVDALAB MCE Membrane Filters, for collecting microbial samples or preparing cell culture media introduces external contaminants, skewing experimental outcomes. In these scenarios, it is imperative to use membranes that are sterile and often individually wrapped, like the Locofiltr MCE Membrane Filter or Membrane Solutions MCE Gridded Membrane Filter, to ensure the integrity of the sample and accuracy of microbial counts.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the primary difference between MCE and Nylon filter membranes?
MCE (Mixed Cellulose Ester) membranes, like those from Locofiltr, are a blend of cellulose acetate and cellulose nitrate, known for their excellent flow rates and broad compatibility with aqueous solutions. Nylon membranes, such as those from stonylab, are generally stronger, possess broader chemical resistance to some organic solvents, and are also hydrophilic, often preferred for chromatography applications.
When is a 0.22µm pore size membrane preferred over a 0.45µm membrane?
A 0.22µm pore size membrane, like the LVDALAB MCE or Labfil PTFE, is preferred for sterilizing liquids by removing all bacteria, ensuring a sterile filtrate. A 0.45µm pore size, as found in Locofiltr MCE membranes, is typically used for general particulate removal, clarification, or for capturing and enumerating bacteria on the membrane surface rather than sterilizing the liquid.
Why are some MCE membranes gridded, and for what applications?
Gridded MCE membranes, such as those from Locofiltr and Membrane Solutions, feature clear grid lines that significantly aid in the counting of microbial colonies. These are primarily used in microbiological quality control and environmental monitoring, where precise enumeration of bacteria or fungi collected on the filter surface is required after incubation.
What are the advantages of using hydrophobic PTFE membranes like those from Labfil?
Hydrophobic PTFE membranes, exemplified by Labfil's offerings, provide exceptional chemical resistance to aggressive acids, bases, and organic solvents, making them ideal for challenging chemical filtration. Their hydrophobic nature also allows for effective filtration of gases, and they exhibit high-temperature resistance, broadening their application range beyond typical aqueous solutions.
How does membrane diameter, such as 47mm versus 50mm, impact filtration setup?
Membrane diameter, like 47mm (Locofiltr) versus 50mm (LVDALAB), is crucial for ensuring compatibility with specific filter holders and apparatuses. Using an incorrectly sized membrane can lead to leaks, inefficient filtration, or damage to the filtration system, emphasizing the need to match the membrane diameter precisely to the equipment.