[Skip to Content](https://www.sigmaaldrich.com#main-content) [![MilliporeSigma](https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/static/logos/purple/millipore_sigma.svg)](https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/US/en) Products Cart0 USEN Products ProductsApplicationsServicesResourcesSupport [Login / Register](https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/oidc-sign-in) [Order Lookup](https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/US/en/order-lookup) [Quick Order](https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/US/en/quick-order) Cart0 [Home](https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/US/en)[Sample Preparation by Filtration](https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/US/en/applications/analytical-chemistry/sample-preparation/filtration)Dissolution Testing Filtration # Dissolution Testing Filtration - [Why is Filtration Important in Dissolution Testing?](https://www.sigmaaldrich.com#1) - [What is the Primary Difference Between Frits and Membrane Filters?](https://www.sigmaaldrich.com#2) - [How is Membrane Pore Size Measured?](https://www.sigmaaldrich.com#3) - [How are Membrane Filters Selected for Dissolution Testing?](https://www.sigmaaldrich.com#4) - [Why are Hydrophilic PTFE Membranes Typically Used in Dissolution Testing?](https://www.sigmaaldrich.com#5) - [How is Automation Used in Dissolution Testing?](https://www.sigmaaldrich.com#6) - [Non-Sterile Millex® Dissolution Testing Compatibility](https://www.sigmaaldrich.com#system-manufacturer) ## Related Filtration Products for Dissolution Testing - [33MM Millex® Syringe Filters](https://www.sigmaaldrich.com#33mm) - [Automation Compatible Millex® Syringe Filters with Domed Housing](https://www.sigmaaldrich.com#domed-housing) - [Automation Compatible Millex® Syringe Filter Compatibility by System Manufacturer](https://www.sigmaaldrich.com#system-manufacturer) Critical in new formulation development and quality control testing during manufacturing, dissolution testing is used to measure active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) release over time. Dissolution testing is required for all solid, oral formulations and utilizes filtration to stop the dissolution process. Depending on the membrane type and format selected, the dissolution testing method and results may be impacted. ## [](https://www.sigmaaldrich.com)Why is filtration important in dissolution testing? Samples pulled from dissolution baths during testing contain both dissolved and undissolved API. Microporous membranes, such as those used in Millex® syringe filters, separate undissolved from dissolved API, stopping the dissolution process. In addition to capturing API release and stability at the given time point, filtration removes particulates to prepare the sample for downstream testing methods, including HPLC. Samples for dissolution testing are typically filtered using either fritted or membrane filters. ## [](https://www.sigmaaldrich.com)What is the primary difference between frits and membrane filters? Fritted filters and membrane filters differ by two main criteria: pore size and pore size distribution. Membrane pore sizes in a syringe filter (or membrane filter in a filter holder) are usually between 0.2-1 μm, whereas the pore size of fritted filters is generally between 5–70 μm. Larger pores in fritted filters may allow undissolved API particles to pass through, impacting the quantitation of API and downstream HPLC testing. Pore size is determined differently for membrane and fritted filters, which leads to differences in their pore size distribution. The pore size reported for membrane filters refers to the largest pore in a membrane filter, while the pore size of fritted filters refers to the average pore size. During filtration, membrane filters retain all particles larger than the pore size listed, while fritted filters may not be able to retain all particles that are larger than the frit pore size, depending on what the actual size is of the largest pore. As the largest pore size of a fritted filter is not reported, the only way to ensure all particles above a certain size threshold are retained is to use a membrane filter. ## [](https://www.sigmaaldrich.com)How is membrane pore size measured? Due to their small size, the pore size of microporous membranes is typically determined by a bubble point measurement. During this test, the membrane is wetted, either with water or an organic solvent, and placed in a holder, where the wetting liquid is on one side of the membrane and air is on the other. Air is slowly pressurized through the membrane and at a certain pressure the liquid in the membrane pores is displaced, creating a steady stream of bubbles on the liquid side. The pressure at which this displacement occurs is called the bubble point. Bubble point is inversely proportional to membrane pore size, and thus this relationship is used to determine the largest pore size in the membrane filter. For sterilizing membranes, pore size is also determined by bacterial (0.22 μm) or mycoplasma (0.1 μm) challenge. ## [](https://www.sigmaaldrich.com)How are membrane filters selected for dissolution testing? There are three key parameters in membrane filter selection for dissolution testing: - Chemical compatibility - Low levels of extractables - Low analyte or API binding To avoid membrane failure during filtration, the membrane material must be chemically compatible with the solution being filtered. Verify the compatibility of all our Millipore® membranes with our chemical compatibility tables. The presence of extractables in the filtrate or the loss of analytes due to non-specific binding to the membrane, will alter quantitative results obtained in downstream analysis. ## [](https://www.sigmaaldrich.com)Why are hydrophilic PTFE membranes typically used in dissolution testing? PTFE, or polytetrafluoroethylene, membranes have very broad chemical compatibility, making them ideal for use with a variety of solutions. While native PTFE is hydrophobic, we offer surface-treated, hydrophilic PTFE membranes that allow users to filter aqueous solutions while retaining high chemical compatibility. Our hydrophilic PTFE membranes undergo additional washing steps during membrane coating, resulting in membranes with very low extractable levels. These low extractable levels ensure the filtration device does not add contaminants into the filtrate, which can complicate the downstream HPLC analysis and analyte quantitation. Hydrophilic PTFE membranes also exhibit very low analyte binding, ensuring analyte quantitation, including APIs or other compounds present in the formulation, is not negatively impacted by the analyte binding to the membrane. With the three selection criteria in mind, hydrophilic PTFE membranes offer a universal solution for filtration in dissolution testing. ## [](https://www.sigmaaldrich.com)How is automation used in dissolution testing? With the rapid pace of the pharmaceutical industry, sample preparation in drug screening and development is often automated. While this advance in technology saves time and resources, standard syringe filters often fail in automated systems due to high back pressure, filter misalignment, or filter jams due to shingling (__Figure 1__). ## [](https://www.sigmaaldrich.com)Non-Sterile Millex® Dissolution Testing Compatibility Low drug-binding and low extractable non-sterile Millex® syringe filters are compatible with numerous dissolution and other automated sample preparation stations. Automated samplers sold by individual dissolution instrumentation manufacturers will have varying requirements and specifications that necessitate different styles, shapes, fittings, and sizes of syringe filter. This chart will instruct in selecting compatible syringe filters for your specific equipment according to make, model, membrane type, pore size, filter diameter, and pack size. ![Figure 1a)The convex, domed housing of our automation-compatible syringe filters prevent shingling in automated systems compared to standard syringe filters. Figure 1b The pressure resistant housing prevents bursting and the Luer-Lok® connection provides precise alignment within automated systems.](https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/content/dam/cms-commons/sigmaaldrich/marketing/global/images/technical-documents/articles/analytical-chemistry/filtration/shingling.jpg "Shingling") __Figure 1.__ a) The convex, domed housing of our automation-compatible syringe filters prevent shingling in automated systems compared to standard syringe filters. b) The pressure resistant housing prevents bursting and the Luer-Lok® connection provides precise alignment within automated systems. Our [](https://www.sigmaaldrich.com)automation-compatible syringe filters alleviate these issues with: - Domed housing to prevent shingling (__Figure 1a__) - Pressure-resistant housing to prevent bursting (__Figure 1b__) - Luer-Lok® connection optimized for precise alignment and fit ## [](https://www.sigmaaldrich.com)Alternatives to manual and automated filtration While automation can be useful in multisample preparation, the high cost of the required infrastructure limits its application to high-volume industrial applications. Our vacuum-driven Samplicity® filtration device offers a solution for scientists that need to filter more than eight samples daily, but do not meet the threshold for automated sample preparation. Using Millex® Syringe Filters with adaptor funnels, researchers can filter up to eight samples with simultaneously into standard 2 mL HPLC sample vials. ## [](https://www.sigmaaldrich.com) * * * ## [](https://www.sigmaaldrich.com)33mm Millex® Syringe Filters | | | | | |------------------|----------------|----------|--------------------------------------------------------------------| | Membrane Type | Pore Size (µm) | Diameter | Product No. | | Hydrophilic PTFE | 0.20 | 33mm | [SLLG033](https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/US/en/product/mm/slcr033) | | | 0.45 | 33mm | [SLCR033](https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/US/en/product/mm/SLCR033) | | PVDF | 0.22 | 33mm | [SLGV033N](https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/US/en/product/mm/SLGV033N) | | | 0.45 | 33mm | [SLHV033N](https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/US/en/product/mm/SLHV033N) | | Nylon | 0.20 | 33mm | [SLGN033](https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/US/en/product/mm/SLGN033) | | | 0.45 | 33mm | [SLHN033](https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/US/en/product/mm/SLHN033) | ## [](https://www.sigmaaldrich.com)Automation Compatible Millex ® Syringe Filters with Domed Housing | | | | | |---------------------------------------------|----------------|----------|----------------------------------------------------------------------| | Membrane Type | Pore Size (µm) | Diameter | Product No. | | Glass fiber | 1.0 | 25mm | [SLPBDZ5](https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/US/en/product/mm/SLPBDZ5) | | PVDF | 0.45 | 25mm | [SLHVDZ5NZ](https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/US/en/product/mm/slhvdz5) | | PVDF with glass fiber prefilter | 0.45 | 25mm | [SLHVBZ5](https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/US/en/product/mm/SLHVBZ5) | | Hydrophilic PTFE | 0.45 | 25mm | [SLCRDZ5](https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/US/en/product/mm/SLCRDZ5) | | | 0.20 | 25mm | [SLGNDZ5](https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/US/en/product/mm/SLGNDZ5) | | Hydrophilic PTFE with glass fiber prefilter | 0.45 | 25mm | [SLCRBZ5](https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/US/en/product/mm/SLCRBZ5) | | Nylon | 0.45 | 25mm | [SLHNDZ5](https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/US/en/product/mm/SLHNDZ5) | | Nylon with glass fiber prefilter | 0.45 | 25mm | [SLHNBZ5NK](https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/US/en/product/mm/slhnbz5nk) | | | 0.45 | 25mm | [SLHNBZ5](https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/US/en/product/mm/SLHNBZ5) | | Hydrophilic PTFE | 0.20 | 25mm | [SLLGDZ5](https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/US/en/product/mm/SLLGDZ5) | * * * ## [](https://www.sigmaaldrich.com)AUTOMATION COMPATIBLE MILLEX® FILTER COMPATIBILITY BY SYSTEM MANUFACTURER: Click to expand by automation system manufacturer and model. ## Sotax | | | | | |-----------------------------------------------|---------------|----------|------------------------------------------------------------------| | Sampler Model | Membrane Type | Diameter | Product No. | | Automated Sample Processing Robot (TPW-Sotax) | MCE | 25mm | [SLAA025](https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/US/en/product/mm/SLAA025) | | | MCE | 25mm | [SLGS025](https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/US/en/product/mm/SLGS025) | | | MCE | 25mm | [SLHA025](https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/US/en/product/mm/SLHA025) | ## PharmaTest | | | | | |----------------------------------------------|-------------------------|----------|----------------------------------------------------------------------| | Sampler Model | Membrane Type | Diameter | Product No. | | PTWS 820-MA/820D, PT-DR, PTWS 1420/120D/120S | AP20 | 25mm | [SLAP02550](https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/US/en/product/mm/SLAP02550) | | | MCE | 25mm | [SLHA025NB](https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/US/en/product/mm/slha025) | | | Durapore® PVDF membrane | 33mm | [SAMP2GVNB](https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/US/en/product/mm/SAMP2GVNB) | | | Durapore® PVDF membrane | 33mm | [SAMP2HVNB](https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/US/en/product/mm/SAMP2HVNB) | ## Logan | | | | | |------------------------------------|-----------------------------------|----------|----------------------------------------------------------------------| | Sampler Model | Membrane Type | Diameter | Product No. | | FTC-1200: Automated Filter Changer | Glass fiber | 25mm | [SLPBDZ5](https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/US/en/product/mm/slpbdz5) | | | Durapore® PVDF membrane | 25mm | [SLHVDZ5](https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/US/en/product/mm/slhvdz5) | | | PVDF with glass fiber pre-filter | 25mm | [SLHVBZ5](https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/US/en/product/mm/slhvbz5) | | | Nylon | 25mm | [SLGNDZ5](https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/US/en/product/mm/slgndz5) | | | Nylon | 25mm | [SLHNDZ5](https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/US/en/product/mm/slhndz5) | | | Nylon with glass fiber pre-filter | 25mm | [SLHNBZ5NK](https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/US/en/product/mm/slhnbz5nk) | | | Philic PTFE | 25mm | [SLLGDZ5](https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/US/en/product/mm/sllgdz5) | | | Philic PTFE | 25mm | [SLCRDZ5](https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/US/en/product/mm/slcrdz5) | | | LCR with glass fiber pre-filter | 25mm | [SLCRBZ5](https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/US/en/product/mm/slcrbz5) | | | Durapore® PVDF membrane | 25mm | [SLHVDZ5NZ](https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/US/en/product/mm/slhvdz5) | | | HPF/HV | 25mm | [SLHVMZ5NZ](https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/US/en/product/mm/SLHVMZ5NZ) | | | HPF/Nylon | 25mm | [SLHNMZ5NZ](https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/US/en/product/mm/SLHNMZ5NZ) | | | HPF/Nylon | 25mm | [SLGNM25NS](https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/US/en/product/mm/slgnm25) | | | HPF/LG/LCR | 25mm | [SLLGM25NS](https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/US/en/product/mm/sllgm25) | | | HPF/LG/LCR | 25mm | [SLCRM25NK](https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/US/en/product/mm/slcrm25) | | | Nylon | 25mm | [SLHNM25](https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/US/en/product/mm/SLHNM25) | | | Durapore® PVDF membrane | 25mm | [SLHVM25](https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/US/en/product/mm/slhvm25) | | | HPF/LG/LCR | 25mm | [SLCRM25NS](https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/US/en/product/mm/SLCRM25NS) | ## Electrolab | | | | | |----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|-------------------------|----------|--------------------------------------------------------------------| | Sampler Model | Membrane Type | Diameter | Product No. | | Pre and Post Pump Filter Manifolds | Durapore® PVDF membrane | 33mm | [SLGV033N](https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/US/en/product/mm/SLGV033N) | | (For use with: TDT-12T, Trust E8/E14/E208, Inspire 8, EDT 406Lx/208Lx, ERD-03/37/07, EFD-07) | Durapore® PVDF membrane | 33mm | [SLGV033N](https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/US/en/product/mm/SLGV033N) | __Related Articles__ - [Analysis of PFAS extractables in filtration products using ASTM D8421](https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/US/en/technical-documents/technical-article/analytical-chemistry/filtration/analysis-pfas-extractables-filtration-products-astm-d8421) - [Automated Sample Preparation for Total Drug Analysis using MultiScreen® Deep Well Solvinert Filter Plates](https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/US/en/technical-documents/technical-article/analytical-chemistry/filtration/automated-sample-preparation-total-drug-analysis) - [Evaluation of Millex® Syringe Filters for Nitrosamine Impurities Testing in Pharmaceutical Drugs](https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/US/en/technical-documents/technical-article/analytical-chemistry/filtration/evaluation-millex-syringe-filter-nitrosamine-impurities-testing) - [The Importance of Filtration in Ocean Water Research and Environmental Testing](https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/US/en/technical-documents/technical-article/analytical-chemistry/filtration/filtration-in-ocean-water-research-environmental-testing) - [Membrane Learning Center](https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/US/en/technical-documents/technical-article/analytical-chemistry/filtration/membrane-learning-center) - [Factors Affecting Analyte Binding on Membrane Filters: A Guide for Filter Validation in Pharmaceutical Analytical QC](https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/US/en/technical-documents/technical-article/analytical-chemistry/filtration/millex-filter-analyte-binding) - [Integrity Test Kit User Guide](https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/US/en/technical-documents/technical-article/analytical-chemistry/filtration/millex-sterivex-integrity-tester-user-guide) - [Universal Hydrophilic Syringe Filters: Millex®](https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/US/en/technical-documents/technical-article/analytical-chemistry/filtration/millexphilic-ptfe) - [View More](https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/US/en/search/facet-search?focus=sitecontent&term=facet-search) __Related Product Categories__ - [Millex® Syringe Filters](https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/US/en/products/filtration/laboratory-syringe-filters/millex-syringe-filters) - [Syringe Filters](https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/US/en/products/filtration/laboratory-syringe-filters/syringe-filters) - [Millipore® Filter Membranes](https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/US/en/products/filtration/laboratory-filter-membranes/millipore-filter-membranes) - [Laboratory Syringe Filters](https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/US/en/products/filtration/laboratory-syringe-filters) - [Filter Membranes](https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/US/en/products/filtration/laboratory-filter-membranes/filter-membranes) - [Laboratory Filter Membranes](https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/US/en/products/filtration/laboratory-filter-membranes) - [Laboratory Filter Holders](https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/US/en/products/filtration/laboratory-filter-holders) Top __Sign In To Continue__ To continue reading please sign in or create an account. 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