Sample preparation is a critical step in any scientific experiment or analysis, as it lays the foundation for accurate and reliable results. From sophisticated purification systems to advanced filtration devices, Merck stands at the forefront of the field, enabling researchers to achieve optimal sample preparation outcomes.

Here are the top products commonly used for sample analysis:

Millex® syringe filters:

These syringe filters are widely used for rapid and reliable filtration of aqueous and organic solutions, as well as for sterilisation and clarification of biological samples.

Key features:

• Wide compatibility: compatible with a variety of solvents, aqueous solutions, and organic compounds, making them versatile for diverse filtration applications.
• Low extractables: rigorously tested to minimise extractables, ensuring minimal interference with sample integrity and downstream analysis.
• Consistent filtration performance: provides reliable and reproducible results batch-to-batch, ensuring efficient particle removal and sample clarification.
• Ease of use: designed for easy and convenient use with standard syringes, minimising handling errors and facilitating rapid filtration without additional equipment.

Amicon® Ultra centrifugal filters:

These advanced laboratory tools are designed to streamline the process of concentrating and purifying biomolecules. Leveraging innovative technology, these filters enable researchers to efficiently remove excess solvents, salts, and contaminants, resulting in highly concentrated samples ready for downstream analysis.

Key features:

• Dead stop: avoid spinning to dryness, providing a predictable concentration factor, without the need to calibrate for several samples to be processed simultaneously.
• Vertical membranes: positioned parallel to the filtrate flow rather than perpendicular, these devices facilitate reduced clogging, minimised waste, and accelerated filtration speed.
• Versatility: compatible with a wide range of sample types and volumes, these filters offer greater flexibility in experimental design. The heat-sealed membrane eliminates adhesives and downstream extractables, ensuring compatibility with pH 1 to 9.

Microcon® centrifugal filters:

These centrifugal filters simplify sample preparation by enabling rapid desalting, buffer exchange, and concentration of biomolecules in laboratory applications.

Key features:

• High recovery: these devices ensure high recovery rates and sample purity, enabling downstream analysis with confidence. Typical recoveries are above 95%, even for diluted solutions.
• Reverse spin: use a reverse spin function to maximise recovery, even in the smallest samples.
• Fast processing: these filters allow for rapid sample processing with minimal hands-on time, streamlining workflows and increasing experimental throughput.
• Small sample volume: designed for desalting, buffer exchange, and concentration of small-volume samples, these filters are suitable for limited sample volumes.

Stericup® filtration devices:

These devices stand as the trusted choice for researchers across diverse fields, incorporating Merck’s legendary high performance vacuum filtration systems to ensure maximum sample purity. Part of the same product range, the Stericup® E filtration devices go beyond functionality, incorporating sustainability at the core of their manufacturing processes, and achieving a significant reduction both in packaging and plastics.

Key features:

• Vacuum-driven filtration: use vacuum pressure to expedite the filtration process, reducing processing time and increasing workflow efficiency.
• Versatile membrane options: With a variety of membrane options available, including pore sizes and materials, researchers can tailor filtration to specific sample types and applications, ensuring optimal results.
• Minimised risk of contamination: The sterile design of Stericup® filtration devices, combined with their closed filtration system, helps minimise the risk of sample contamination, preserving sample integrity for downstream analysis.
• Supporting your sustainability goals: Stericup® E sterile filters boast up to an impressive 26% plastic reduction and 20% decrease in packaging, while Steritop® E filters take this achievement even further, reaching a remarkable 48% plastic reduction and 69% reduction in packaging.

Samplicity® G2 filtration system:

These vacuum-driven filtration devices have the capability to process up to 8 samples simultaneously, channelling them directly into HPLC vials. With Samplicity® G2, researchers can streamline their sample preparation process, achieving unparalleled efficiency and precision in their analytical endeavours.

Key features:

• Ergonomic design: designed with user comfort in mind, Samplicity® G2 system requires virtually no manual force for filtration, minimising operator fatigue and errors, especially in situations that require high viscosity samples.
• Increased efficiency: Samplicity® G2 has the capacity to process 1 - 8 samples simultaneously while ensuring that the filtered samples are not contaminated with extractables.
• Higher yields for small samples: the addition of small volume inserts allows the Samplicity® systems to be used with volumes as small as 100µL.

When selecting the best products for sample preparation from Merck, consider factors such as sample type, volume, concentration requirements, and downstream analysis techniques to ensure optimal performance and results. Additionally, consulting with our expert support team can provide valuable guidance in choosing the most suitable products for your specific applications.