Syringe Filters
Use 0.22μm sterile PTFE syringe filters
You can potentially replace the PTFE material with Nylon, however there appears to be less data indicating safety, and this should require more research.
Details
- Pore Size: 0.22μm (this size is required for sterilization)
- Sterility: Use pre-packaged, sterile filters.
- Size: if you’re filtering 1-10mL, use a 13mm filter. 10-100mL use a 25mm filter1. 100m-250mL use a 33mm filter2. Larger is generally easier to push though.
- Filter material: Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) is moderately available and is compatible with our goals. It is safe with oil, benzyl alcohol, and benzyl benzoate3 4. Nylon filters may also be a good choice, but require more research to verify.
- Hydrophobic or Hydrophilic: Unclear, but both likely fine for an oil based solution. I’ve only used hydrophilic.
Don’t use PVDF of PAS
Benzyl benzoate, an ingredient in the brew, can cause PVDF filters to dissolve. This could have potential side effects such as filters breaking or PVDF leeching into the filtered solution. There is minimal data to support whether PVDF is safe, so in this case it’s best to air on the side of caution5.
Bubble Point
Many, but not all, filters will list a bubble point or “max burst pressure”. Check or confirm this bubble point by testing the bubble point of your filters with a sample of your solution. Bubble points can change when the filters are pre-wetted with different solutions, so always check with your actual brew.
Read more about bubble point testing here.
Compatibility Charts
https://www.restek.com/globalassets/pdfs/literature/gnts2123-unv.pdf
https://scientificfilters.com/membrane-Filter-chemical-compatibility-chart/
https://www.ddbiolab.com/data/pdf_guides/en/Tableau_de_compatibilite_chimique_Whatman.pdf
https://www.astisensor.com/KYNAR_PVDF_Chemical_Compatibility_Resistance_Chart.pdf
https://www.calpaclab.com/teflon-ptfe-compatibility/
https://www.growinglabs.com/pages/syringe-filter-solvent-compatibility
References
Page based on work from HRT Cat