Page 5 - Emerging Technologies

Our primary mission is to equip scientists, entrepreneurs, and visionaries with the filtration products to transform ideas into reality.  We support this goal by working to offer the broadest range of microporous membrane filters available from a single source – 14 different microporous membrane types and their derivatives.  Primarily used as disc filters, these membranes enable cutting edge research in laboratories worldwide.  But what happens when ideas do turn into reality? Don’t worry, Sterlitech still has you covered. We offer most of our membranes in formats conducive to Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) production including large sheets and roll stock.

With exceptional lot to lot consistency and a wide variety of options, our polycarbonate and polyester track-etch membranes have proven remarkably versatile for incorporation into a broad array of OEM devices.  These include devices for rapid cytology of tissue and tumor samples, such as the Seq-Well.  Specialized transparent

Liposomes are vesicles consisting of an aqueous core inside a hydrophobic membrane bilayer that can be used as a carrier system. They present a promising tool for the delivery of pharmaceutical agents and compounds that typically are unable to diffuse across membrane barriers. Production of liposomes allows for the incorporation of both hydrophobic and hydrophilic compounds into their structure for targeted delivery, enabling use in diagnostics, gene therapy, vaccines, cosmetics, and cancer treatment. In fact, multiple liposomal formulations of cancer therapies have already been introduced on the market.¹ Potential applications extend well past drug delivery – from food production and nutritional supplements to environmental remediation.^2,3

Liposomes can be prepared using extrusion, wherein a lipid suspension is forced through a microporous membrane filter over multiple passes. The membrane pore size and operating conditions determine the liposome sizes created in this process. Track-etched

Groundwater is a vital natural resource; it provides drinking, household, and irrigation water across the country and the world. Over half of the United States population relies on groundwater as their drinking water source.¹ Unfortunately, in some geographical regions, groundwater supplies are at risk of depletion and contamination. Pollutants can originate from septic systems, landfills, underground oil and gas tanks, and various atmospheric contaminants. Emerging issues to assess in groundwater testing are the impacts of hydraulic fracturing, sea water intrusion, and microplastics accumulation.  

In the US, organizations like the US Geological Survey (USGS) sample and analyze groundwater to monitor water availability and water quality. Scientists run tests on the physical, chemical, and microbiological characteristics of groundwater sources, and use this data to monitor and forecast how these factors might be impacted by increasing human consumption and climate change.

Mixed cellulose

Water molecules are ubiquitous, vital, and may have the world’s most well-known chemical formula (H₂O). The properties of water are quite unique; its solid state is less dense than its liquid state, raising pressure lowers its melting point, and it exists as a liquid at room temperature despite low molecular mass. Even more unique is the water molecule’s ability to exist as two distinct nuclear configurations called spin isomers.

The two spin isomers of water molecules differ based on the direction of the nuclear spin of the two hydrogen nuclei. If the two hydrogen nuclei have parallel spins, the molecule is known as ortho-water. If the two hydrogen nuclei have opposite spins, the molecule is known as para-water. Water at room temperature always contains a mix of these two spin isomers and, until recently, it has been nearly impossible to study them separately.

Now a study co-authored by Stefan Willitsch at the University of Basel has successfully isolated the two forms of water and found

A recent study from the World Health Organization (WHO) found that 9 of 10 people live in environments that expose them daily to elevated levels of air pollution.¹ This contributes to staggering 7 million deaths a year from related diseases.1The danger is largely posed by fine particles less than 10 (PM₁₀) and 2.5 (PM_2.5) micrometers which may pass through the nose and extend beyond the heart and lungs to the brain and cause health problems; these can also affect the environment.¹ US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Method 201A is commonly used to monitor PM₁₀, and PM_2.5 for air quality control. Air is withdrawn through two sizing cyclones, and then collected on an EPA approved PTFE membrane filter. After a sample is obtained, gravimetric analysis is used to determine the particulate mass for each size fraction. The PM_2.5 mass is determined by adding the mass of particulates captured on the PTFE filter and the ≤ 2.5 μm wash.^2,3

Sterlitech is now offering PTFE PM_2.5 membranes

Crystalline silica, most commonly found in the form of quartz, is a basic component of the earth; it’s found in soil, sand granite, and other minerals. During many industrial processes, crystalline silica is released as particles that are 100 times smaller than beach sand.¹ Due to their size, these mineral particles cannot easily be cleared by human lungs. Instead, they persist in the respiratory system and form scar tissue, contributing to serious health problems for those experiencing prolonged exposure. The associated silicosis and other forms of cancer are a threat to workers in mining, construction, and other industrial trades.²

There is a global awareness of this seriousness of this issue, and the World Health Organization has published assessment documents detailing the negative health effects of exposure. Here in the US, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)  released a Final Rule on Occupational Exposure to Respirable Crystalline Silica, to provide guidance

Sterlitech now offers transparent polyester track-etch (PETE) membrane filters with sufficient clarity to perform high resolution optical imaging through the membrane.  The key attribute of this material is a special, low density pore structure that mitigates light diffusion and renders the filters highly translucent. Furthermore, the membrane has very uniform thickness and flat surfaces so tissue cultures lie in one focal plane. Our transparent PETE filters are available in the 0.4 µm pore size rating commonly used for cell cultures.

Track-etch membranes have a long history of use in tissue culture experimentation, including use in multiwell plates and cell culture inserts. These membranes can act as scaffolding to create physiological microenvironments promoting growth of attachment-dependent cell cultures. The pore structures in this material allow for nutrient and environmental access to both the free surface (apical) and attached surface (basolateral) of cells. The successful growth

Environmental educators in Pensacola are acquainting kids with water filtration in a new, hands-on way. Instead of a class turtle, these students are raising baby oysters. This program is sponsored by the Pensacola Bay Oyster Company and supports a local nonprofit, the Bream Fisherman Association, in its efforts to educate a new generation on marine wildlife preservation. Students contribute to the efforts to expand oyster populations in Pensacola Bay by purchasing and raising baby oysters (spat). It is a challenging and rewarding task, as baby oysters are not easily cared for. They are sensitive to salinity and other environmental changes, and must be maintained in the proper environment 2 feet below the water’s surface. The juvenile oyster cages must be periodically monitored and cleaned. Only after nine months of attention are the oysters mature enough to be placed in reefs or farms.