New Filtration System to Reduce Work Load and Increase Lab Productivity

A generation of disposable lab ware for rapid sterilization of liquids by membrane filtration is now available to biotech and other life science researchers.

Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. (Waltham, MA, USA) recently announced the release of their line of Nalgene Rapid-Flow filters. These filters differ from others on the market primarily due to the advanced design of the underlying plastic support.


Most filters use a radial spoke design to support the filter membrane. The wide space between the spokes allows the membrane to be displaced during filtration, which can stress the membrane and distort its pore structure. The result is suboptimal flow rate and throughput. In contrast, the Nalgene Rapid-Flow uses an array of evenly spaced columns that are close enough together to provide uniform support of the membrane, yet far enough apart to allow rapid filtration, resulting in improved flow rate and throughput.

The new line comprises filters for all biotech laboratory applications. There are 0.1 micron filters to guard against mycoplasma contamination, 0.2 micron filters for the removal of bacteria, and 0.45and 0.8 micron filters for particle removal and fluid clarification. Filters are available in sizes of up to 90 mm in diameter, a size that provides a large surface area for serum and other hard-to-filter solutions.

“We are very excited to share this new technology with our customers,” said Dennis Gorlick, senior product manager at Thermo Fisher Scientific. “With this advancement, we are providing a product that increases filtration flow rate and throughput while providing a last line of defense against contamination, especially for cell-culture applications. The Rapid-Flow Filter will help our customers save valuable time in the lab.”

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