Membrane Selection Guide for Syringe Filters

Membrane × Solvent Compatibility Matrix

Membrane	Water / buffers	Alcohols	Acetonitrile	THF / DMF	Strong acids/bases	Protein binding
Nylon	●	●	●	✕	✕	High
PTFE	△ pre-wet	●	●	●	●	Low
PVDF	●	●	●	△	✕	Low
PES	●	●	△	✕	✕	Very low
MCE	●	△	✕	✕	✕	High
CA	●	△	✕	✕	✕	Low
RC	●	●	●	△	△	Very low
GF	●	●	●	●	△	— (depth)

● compatible   △ limited — confirm with your method   ✕ not recommended. Always confirm final compatibility with the filter manufacturer; resin grades and housing materials affect performance.

Decision rules

• Aqueous buffers + proteins: PES or hydrophilic PVDF (low binding, fast flow).
• Aggressive organics / chlorinated solvents: PTFE (pre-wet with alcohol for aqueous samples).
• General HPLC sample prep: Nylon 0.45 µm (avoid with strong acids/bases and DMF/DMSO).
• Sterile filtration: PES or PVDF 0.22 µm, individually packed.
• Dirty samples: pre-filter with GF or 5.0 µm before the final membrane.

Extended version with workflow tips: Syringe Filter Selection Guide (article).