Introducing: Dyed Polycarbonate Track-etch Membrane Filters

Sterlitech is pleased to announce that you can now find the dyed polycarbonate membrane filters on their new product page, https://www.sterlitech.com/dyed-polycarbonate-membranes.html. These hydrophilic, polycarbonate track-etch (PCTE) membrane filters have been pigmented using black dye to minimize membrane autofluorescence. The dyed PCTE membrane filters are ideal for use with fluorescence microscopy analyses that involve direct observation and enumeration of animal cells or microorganisms that have been labeled with fluorescent markers. They are also suitable for optical microscopy studies of light colored particles and microorganisms by providing a dark background for enhanced contrast.

We now offer two types of the dyed PCTE membrane filters to cover the broadest possible range of potential applications.  One type is dyed using the traditional method with Irgalan Black dye. The resulting membrane filters appear gray in color and have varying shades depending on pore size rating. These filters have very low autofluorescence while retaining some amount of the inherent translucence of PCTE membrane filters. They are well suited for applications where both fluorescence microscopy and conventional optical microscopy may be performed on the same sample.  The translucence of the filters allows for optical microscopy using light transmitted through the membrane. To differentiate these filters from the second type, they are listed as “gray” in the product descriptions. 

The second type of the dyed PCTE membrane filters is pigmented using a proprietary dying process. The resulting filters are dark black in appearance and have essentially no autofluorescence and almost no translucence. These filters are ideally suited not only for conventional fluorescence microscopy but also for automated fluorescence microscopy as well. Additionally, these dark black filters provide maximized contrast for optical microscopy studies of light colored particles or microorganisms. Please note that it may be possible to leach trace amounts of dye from these filters if they are used with non-aqueous solvents. These filters are listed as “black” in the product descriptions.

Sterlitech offers a wide variety of membrane disk filters and filter holders to meet your application needs. Please feel free to contact us if you need any assistance with your selections.