Microbial Analysis by Membrane Filtration

Microbiological quality attributes are of key interest in many different industries and play a major role in the manufacturing and final release of products. To ensure optimum performance, Quality departments around the world are testing their raw materials, in-process-controls and final products using Millipore products.

One of the main techniques for testing Bacteria, Yeast and Mold contaminations is membrane filtration.

Membrane Filtration is a commonly used and well accepted technique throughout the microbiological analysis market. The general principle allows filtering the test sample through a microporous membrane, retaining any microbiological contamination on the top of the membrane. Further rinsing removes residual product that might inhibit the growth of microorganisms. Selecting the right membrane, assembly technology and rinsing fluids is critical. Once the sample is filtered, nutrient medium is added to promote growth of the microorganisms for recovery. The medium can be either a broth, a liquid medium in a pad or an agar. The recovery of the microorganisms is very much dependent on the type of membrane that you select. For standard applications, many regulations around the world prefer the use of nitrocellulose-based filters with a nominal pore size of 0.45 µm. These membranes have been shown to provide the best recoveries.

If you would like to learn more about the influence of the membrane on colony size and morphology, click here.

Membrane filtration is used to detect and enumerate microbiological contamination in a variety of applications and markets. If you are interested in learning more about microbiological analysis (not only membrane filtration), please choose from the following markets.

Pharmaceutical Quality Control

For the highly regulated pharmaceutical industry, effective quality assurance and quality control is key to producing competitive products and maintaining compliance. Quality control...» Learn more

Beverage Analysis

Beverage processes need microbial management to provide the highest quality and flavor to your customers. Millipore gives you the solutions to optimize your process performance...» Learn more

Hospital Pharmacy

Strict adherence to aseptic processing is critical in the hospital pharmacy environment as products are not typically held for the traditional fourteen days for sterility test results...» Learn more

Microelectronics

Contamination control is essential for optimum processing of microelectronic components. Accurate microbial testing of ultra high purity water is perhaps the most critical element of...» Learn more

Field Testing Water / Wastewater

Routine testing using Millipore’s membrane filtration products will help you stay in compliance with regulations and assure you of accurate...» Learn more

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