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Choosing the Right Buffer Filter

White and blue Millipore Express® filters filters of different formats and sizes. Blue filters are gamma compatible, white capsules are autoclave-compatible.  Cartridge filter elements with no filter housing are shown.

Biopharma production requires large volumes of multiple buffers for different processing steps. Choosing a buffer filter can be complex: the filtration membrane and format you select will depend on your process step, level of bioburden control you need, buffer volume, and buffer characteristics. Whether you need a buffer filter for process development or for a critical formulation buffer, we have it covered.  Our Millipore Express® and Milligard® PES, non-PFAS, buffer filters all deliver high flow and capacity at a reasonable cost and are offered with bacterial retention specifications that deliver the right level of bioburden control for your specific process needs. In addition, to streamline your risk assessments and simplify compliance, our filtration portfolio is supported by the Emprove® Program.

For help determining the right buffer filter for your process, contact us.


 STERILIZING BUFFER FILTERS

For sterile filtration of non-plugging buffers we recommend Millipore Express® SHF (Sterile, High Flux) filters or Millipore Express® PHF (Process protection, high flux) filters. All Millipore Express® capsule and cartridge filters contain a 0.2 µm PES sterilizing membrane, that provides high permeability, easy wetting and integrity testing and broad chemical compatibility.

For more plugging buffers, Millipore Express® SHC (Sterile, High Capacity) filters are a better option. These filters contain an integrated 0.5 µm polyethersulfone (PES) membrane prefilter that protects the 0.2 µm PES sterilizing membrane, maximizing filter capacity.

  • Millipore Express® SHF and Millipore Express® SHC filters should be used for critical process buffers steps that require sterility assurance.
  • Millipore Express® PHF filters are a cost-effective, sterile buffer filtration option for buffers used in less critical steps, that may not need sterility assurance.

BIOBURDEN REDUCTION BUFFER FILTERS

Milligard® PES  filters can be used as bioburden reduction buffer filters. These filters offer fast flow, high throughput, easy wetting and integrity testing and broad chemical compatibility and are a cost-effective buffer filtration option.

Two pore sizes are available, each with different bioburden reduction specifications:

  • Milligard® PES 1.2/0.2 µm nominal: typically ≥ 6 log Brevundimonas diminuta removal based on ASTM F838 methodology
  • Milligard® PES 1.2/0.45 µm: typically ≥ 6 log Serratia marcescens removal based on ASTM D3863 and F838 methodology

FORMATS FROM BENCH TO PRODUCTION SCALES

All our buffer filters feature:

  • OptiScale® formats for efficient screening and scaling, and cartridge and capsule formats for larger volume processing.
  • Gamma-compatible formats, that can be integrated into Mobius® single-use assemblies.


Approximate filtration areas of capsule and cartridge filters. Refer to product specifications for complete information. Read our technical article for additional information on different filter formats.

Opticap® capsules are autoclavable, gamma compatible or sterile except where noted.
*Sterile and gamma compatible filters only, except Milligard® PES Small Scale 300 Capsules.
†Opticap® Small Scale 300 and T-line Capsules only available with Milligard® PES membrane

QUALITY STANDARDS AND DOCUMENTATION

All Millipore Express® and Milligard® PES filters are designed, developed, and manufactured in accordance with a Quality Management System approved by an accredited registering body to an ISO 9001 Quality Systems Standard, and are supported by a certificate of quality.

Millipore Express® SHF, Millipore Express® SHC and Milligard® PES filters are supported by the Emprove® Program which provides three types of dossiers to support different stages of development and manufacturing operations such as qualification, risk assessment, and process optimization. The dossiers consolidate comprehensive product-specific testing data, quality statements, and regulatory information in a readily available format so you can move forward with confidence.

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