Analytical Sample Preparation Product Selection Guide

As samples get smaller and more numerous, the need for novel methods for high throughput sample preparation has led Pall to develop new filtration devices that simplify and expedite the sample preparation process. This table outlines general guidelines to the appropriate filter plate size for different volumes of fluid:

Volume to be Filtered	Filter Type	Typical Hold-up Volume
< 900 µL	AcroPrep™ 96 1 mL Filter Plate	< 18 µL/well
< 2 mL	AcroPrep 24 Filter Plate	< 50 µL/well

AcroPrep 96 Filter Plates

AcroPrep 96 filter plates are excellent for sample cleanup in analytical or molecular biology applications. These plates alleviate the most common problems of filter-bottom plates with special design features:

• Plates are constructed within ANSI/SBS X-2004 requirements. The robotic-friendly design has a rigid, single-piece construction that assures smooth, worry-free performance in robotic systems to eliminate plate jams in the detector.
• Polypropylene filter plate assembly is chemically resistant and low biomolecule binding.
• Serialized barcode label allows for the use of automated tracking systems and identifies the membrane type.

AcroPrep 24 Filtration System

The AcroPrep 24 filtration system accelerates sample preparation and reduces labor by simultaneously filtering up to 24 samples:

• Eliminates need for individually-wrapped syringes.
• System is economical and requires less bench space compared to the traditional syringe filter technique.
• HPLC certified to ensure analytical results will not be compromised by extractable materials.
• No cross- contamination because each well is individually sealed.

Pall Life Sciences has specifically designed and certified our Acrodisc® PSF syringe filters to be fully compatible and reliable for use with automated equipment. The following special features make our syringe filters reliable for worry-free performance 24 hours a day:

• Smooth filter-to-filter release 
• Consistent turret advancement
• Exceptional housing strength
• Strict “outside filter geometry”

Acrodisc PSF syringe filters from Pall are the only syringe filters to receive Caliper Life Sciences’ Automation Certified guarantee. This certification is granted to syringe filters that meet the stringent requirements for automated dispensing and robotic handling. Pall is manufacturing these products working in close partnership with Caliper Life Sciences Manufacturing and Engineering teams to ensure proper fit, function, and compatibility with Caliper workstations. Caliper Life Sciences is the manufacturer of the Caliper TPW* workstation, the APW* workstation, and the Multi-Dose* workstation. These robotic workstations are uniquely designed to work best with Caliper “Automation Certified” filters for proper operation. (*TPW, APW, and Multi-Dose are trademarks of Caliper Life Sciences.)

Acrodisc PSF syringe filters are available with AutoPack™ packaging, convenient tubes that can be directly loaded onto automated testing systems. AutoPack packaging is also available for standard syringe filters with Nylon, PTFE, PVDF, and Glass Fiber membranes.

Nanosep® MF centrifugal devices with GHP membrane are a simple-to-use alternative for analytical sample preparation, especially when your application calls for maximum filtrate recovery from limited sample volumes. These devices are ideal for particulate removal prior to sample analysis (HPLC, IC, GC, or MS) and removal of precipitates (metals, polymers, or crystals). GHP membrane is ideal for aqueous solutions and offers maximum chemical compatibility for aggressive solvents. For sample volumes from 50 to 500 µL, these devices provide:

• Rapid and high recovery (96.5%) of critical proteins.
• Low extractables. Pall's HPLC-grade centrifugal devices are certified to be low in UV extractables.
• Low hold-up volume (< 5 µL) makes these devices ideal for expensive samples.
• High g-force ratings. Can be spun at 14,000 x g assuring rapid sample processing.

Pall's line of standard Acrodisc syringe filters is also available for sample volumes up to 100 mL.

For difficult-to-filter samples, it is best to use a product with a glass fiber prefilter over the membrane. The Acrodisc PSF syringe filter with GxF multi-layered glass fiber prefilter is the best option for extremely particulate-laden samples. Our traditional Acrodisc syringe filters with GHP and Nylon membranes are also available with a single layer glass fiber prefilter.

The Acrodisc PSF GxF syringe filter has a serial glass fiber (GxF) prefilter to allow for maximum throughput and faster flow rates than standard glass fiber prefilter devices. The multi-layered prefilter, rated from > 40 to 1 µm, traps particulate, thereby extending filter life.

The low drug and protein adsorption characteristics of the IC Acrodisc Syringe Filter make this product ideal for dissolution testing applications. For difficult-to-filter dissolution or aqueous testing samples, choose a 0.8 µm Acrodisc syringe filter.

IC Certified for Low Levels of Inorganic Extractables

Pall certifies Ion Chromatography Acrodisc Syringe Filters have been tested using a highly sensitive IC protocol to monitor inorganic extractables. For ion chromatography applications, only the IC Acrodisc (PES) syringe filter is certified for low levels of inorganic extractables. Actual background levels of filter extractables are typically less than 20 ppb for chloride, 6 ppb for nitrate, 1 ppb for phosphate, and 10 ppb for sulfate.

For gas chromatography applications, Pall recommends Acrodisc syringe filters with PTFE membrane because of their excellent chemical compatibility.

For consistent, enhanced sample preparation and prefiltration in biomolecule applications, choose the Acrodisc PSF syringe filter with GHP, Supor®, Versapor®, or HT Tuffryn® membrane. These devices are excellent for sample preparation prior to HPLC or IC for purification, separation, and characterization studies of biomolecules such as synthetic peptides, nucleic acids, and recombinant and native proteins. Product features include:

• Stringent manufacturing controls over the membranes and devices. ISO certified and manufactured under cGMP's.
• Polypropylene housing reduces extractable materials.
• Membranes perform well with biomolecules in aqueous solutions of varying buffer ranges and salt concentrations. Choose GHP membrane for low binding and high protein recovery in a variety of biomolecule applications. Choose Supor membrane for consistent results in the filtration of ionic species for IC.

The minispike outlet, available on the 13 mm Acrodisc syringe filter, allows for minimal sample holdup and easy dispensing into autosampler vials. For syringe filtration of even smaller volumes, choose a 4 mm device. For centrifugal filtration of microliters of sample, the GHP Nanosep centrifugal device allows rapid sample processing with extremely high recoveries.

Device	Sample Volume	Typical Holdup Volume (with air purge)
Nanosep Centrifugal Devices	< 0.5 mL	< 2 mL
4 mm Acrodisc Syringe Filters (various membranes)	< 2 mL	< 10 mL
13 mm Acrodisc Syringe Filters with Minispike Outlet (various membranes)	< 10 mL	< 14 mL