In biochemistry, there are many specific applications for using filtration products. Each application implements a filtration process whereby a target cell is isolated from a buffer solution and placed onto a growth medium. Through these growth processes, scientists can study or engineer cell replication. When scientists understand how the building blocks of the physical world are laid, they can unlock the answers to many of the fundamental challenges facing mankind.

In cell culturing, a sample is taken from tissue and placed onto a growth media, like agar gel on a Petri dish, or into a liquid solution containing nutrients. The sample is placed into an incubator that encourages the cells to multiply and eventually form a population of cells. These cells can be used for genetic research, toxicology studies, pharmaceutical effectiveness or hazard studies, and even the production of therapeutic proteins.

With tissue engineering, cells are taken from a sample tissue and seeded onto a scaffold made of natural or synthetic material. The seeded scaffold is placed into an incubator or bioreactor to encourage cell growth. The cells form new tissue on the scaffold that matches the tissue donor's needs.

Once the tissue sample has matured, the new tissue can be surgically attached to the donor to replace damaged tissues. These are especially effective in repairing damaged or diseased tissue with a reduced chance of tissue rejection.

Both cell culturing and tissue engineering applications require a very high-quality sample. Samples must be filtered using sterile filters with proper pore sizes and material type for the application. Additionally, throughout the cell maturation process, the tissues must be kept free from contaminants that could render them unusable.

The choice of filter membrane material and pore sizes depend largely on the specific application. The most common pore sizes required in these applications range from 0.2 µm to 0.45 µm. Membrane materials should have compatible protein-binding properties, flow rates, and chemical and temperature resistance.

For more information on the compatibility of different filter material types for your specific application, please view our material compatibility guide.