Amicon Ultra Regenerated Cellulose Ultrafiltration Membrane Product Introduction: Common Ultrafiltration Consumables for Protein Concentration, Desalting, and Buffer Exchange

I. Product Description

Amicon Ultra regenerated cellulose ultrafiltration membranes are laboratory ultrafiltration consumables designed for concentration, desalting, buffer exchange, and macromolecule retention of biological samples. This product series features regenerated cellulose ultrafiltration membranes as the core component, available in multiple MWCO grades including YM-3, YM-10, YM-30, YM-50, and YM-100, corresponding to molecular weight cutoffs of 3kDa, 10kDa, 30kDa, 50kDa, and 100kDa, respectively.

The regenerated cellulose membrane exhibits low protein binding characteristics, making it suitable for processing proteins, antibodies, enzymes, nucleic acids, viruses, exosomes, and other biological macromolecules. Through centrifugal ultrafiltration, sample volume can be rapidly reduced, target molecule concentration increased, while simultaneously removing salts, small-molecule impurities, or exchanging buffer systems.

This product series is suitable for research experiments, protein purification, molecular biology, biopharmaceuticals, cell culture supernatant processing, virus concentration, exosome sample preparation, and electrolyte desalting in interdisciplinary materials and life sciences research.

II. Product Specification Comparison Table

III. Product Features and Advantages

1. Multiple MWCO Options Available

Amicon Ultra regenerated cellulose ultrafiltration membranes cover five commonly used MWCO grades: 3kDa, 10kDa, 30kDa, 50kDa, and 100kDa, accommodating concentration and separation needs for target molecules of different sizes. Small proteins can be processed with YM-3 or YM-10, routine proteins with YM-10 or YM-30, and large proteins, viruses, exosomes, and nanoparticles with YM-50 or YM-100.

2. Low Protein Binding for Precious Samples

The regenerated cellulose membrane exhibits low non-specific adsorption to proteins and biological macromolecules, reducing sample loss during concentration and improving target molecule recovery. This low-binding property is particularly important for precious samples such as antibodies, enzymes, recombinant proteins, viruses, and exosomes.

3. Suitable for Rapid Concentration and Desalting

Through centrifugal ultrafiltration, water, salts, and small-molecule impurities in the sample pass through the ultrafiltration membrane into the filtrate, while target macromolecules are retained above the membrane, enabling rapid concentration, desalting, and buffer exchange. Compared to traditional dialysis, ultrafiltration is faster and involves simpler experimental procedures.

4. Broad Sample Compatibility

This product series is suitable for processing proteins, nucleic acids, enzymes, antigens, antibodies, cell lysates, tissue extracts, culture supernatants, viruses, exosomes, nanoparticles, and electrolyte systems.

5. Simple Operation and High Experimental Efficiency

Typically, samples are added to the ultrafiltration device and concentration or buffer exchange is completed via centrifugation, requiring no complex equipment and making it suitable for routine laboratory rapid sample preparation.

IV. Key Applications

1. Protein Sample Concentration

Amicon Ultra regenerated cellulose ultrafiltration membranes can be used for concentrating antigens, antibodies, enzymes, recombinant proteins, peptides, and protein complexes. For column chromatography eluates, diluted protein samples, or low-concentration protein solutions, ultrafiltration rapidly reduces sample volume and increases protein concentration, facilitating subsequent detection, storage, or functional assays.

2. Desalting and Buffer Exchange

This ultrafiltration membrane series can remove salts, small-molecule buffer components, free dyes, reducing agents, or other low-molecular-weight impurities from protein samples. By repeatedly adding target buffer and centrifuging, buffer exchange can be completed rapidly, suitable for post-protein-purification processing, enzyme activity assays, and mass spectrometry sample preparation.

3. Post-Protein Purification Processing

Following affinity chromatography, ion exchange chromatography, gel filtration, or other purification workflows, eluates are often large in volume with low target molecule concentration. Amicon Ultra ultrafiltration membranes can rapidly concentrate eluted fractions, increasing sample concentration for subsequent SDS-PAGE, Western Blot, ELISA, mass spectrometry, or activity assays.

4. Nucleic Acid and Macromolecule Sample Processing

After selecting the appropriate MWCO based on target molecule size, these membranes can be used for concentration and buffer adjustment of DNA, RNA, nucleic acid-protein complexes, and other macromolecular samples. For larger nucleic acid fragments or complex samples, the appropriate MWCO should be selected based on molecular size to avoid target sample loss.

5. Virus, Exosome, and Nanoparticle Concentration

Larger MWCO grades such as YM-50 and YM-100 are suitable for enriching and concentrating viral particles, exosomes, liposomes, nanoparticles, and macromolecular complexes. Centrifugation conditions should be carefully controlled for such samples to avoid particle damage, aggregation, or reduced recovery due to excessive centrifugal force.

6. Electrolyte Desalting and Small Molecule Removal

Amicon Ultra ultrafiltration membranes can also be used for electrolyte desalting and small molecule removal in certain materials and biochemical interdisciplinary experiments. By selecting the appropriate MWCO, target macromolecules or particle fractions can be retained while removing salts and low-molecular-weight impurities.

V. Selection Guide by Model

When selecting MWCO, it is generally recommended that the chosen MWCO be lower than the molecular weight of the target molecule. A common rule of thumb is to select an MWCO approximately 1/2 to 1/3 of the target molecule's molecular weight to achieve better retention and recovery. If the MWCO is too large, target molecules may be lost in the filtrate; if too small, filtration speed may be significantly reduced.

VI. Usage Guidelines

1. Confirm Target Molecule Size

Before use, confirm the approximate molecular weight or size range of the target protein, nucleic acid, virus, exosome, or particle sample, and select the appropriate MWCO based on the experimental objective. If the goal is concentration rather than separation, choose a specification that can stably retain the target molecule.

2. Select Appropriate Model

Choose YM-3, YM-10, YM-30, YM-50, or YM-100 based on the target sample. Smaller proteins may require lower MWCO, while larger proteins or particle samples may benefit from higher MWCO to balance retention and filtration speed.

3. Sample Pre-treatment

If the sample contains cell debris, precipitates, particulate contaminants, or high concentrations of suspended matter, low-speed centrifugation or pre-filtration is recommended to reduce the risk of membrane clogging. For high-viscosity samples, dilution prior to ultrafiltration may be helpful.

4. Add Sample

Add the sample to the ultrafiltration device, ensuring not to exceed the maximum fill volume. Avoid generating excessive air bubbles when adding the sample, as this may affect the effective filtration area of the membrane surface.

5. Centrifugal Concentration

Place the ultrafiltration device in a compatible centrifuge rotor and centrifuge under recommended conditions. Centrifugation time depends on sample volume, concentration, viscosity, MWCO, and target final volume. Low-temperature conditions can protect sensitive proteins but may reduce filtration speed, requiring extended centrifugation time.

6. Recover Concentrated Sample

After centrifugation, the retentate above the membrane is the concentrated target sample. Gently pipette to mix and reduce membrane surface retention. For precious samples, minimize pipetting steps to reduce sample loss.

7. Perform Desalting or Buffer Exchange

For desalting or buffer exchange, first concentrate the sample to a small volume, then add the target buffer to dilute, and centrifuge again. Repeating 2–3 times typically significantly reduces the original buffer and salt content.

8. Subsequent Analysis or Storage

Concentrated samples can be used for SDS-PAGE, Western Blot, ELISA, enzyme activity assays, mass spectrometry, nucleic acid analysis, virus titer assays, exosome characterization, nanoparticle analysis, or other downstream experiments. If storage is required, choose appropriate buffer and storage temperature based on sample properties.

VII. Operational Precautions

• Confirm MWCO matches target molecule size before use to avoid target molecule loss or excessively slow filtration.

• Over-concentration of high-protein samples may lead to precipitation; monitor final concentration and observe sample condition.

• For samples prone to precipitation, reduce centrifugal force, shorten individual centrifugation time, or choose a larger MWCO.

• If the sample contains cell debris or particulate impurities, pre-centrifuge or pre-filter before ultrafiltration.

• Low-temperature centrifugation helps protect sensitive samples but reduces filtration speed; extend operation time accordingly.

• Ultrafiltration membranes are not recommended for reuse to avoid cross-contamination, membrane clogging, or reduced retention performance.

• For virus, exosome, and nanoparticle samples, avoid excessive centrifugal force that may cause particle damage or aggregation.

• If downstream experiments are sensitive to trace residues, pre-wash the membrane with ultrapure water or target buffer before use.

VIII. Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: What are Amicon Ultra regenerated cellulose ultrafiltration membranes primarily used for?
A: They are primarily used for concentration, desalting, buffer exchange, and post-purification processing of proteins, nucleic acids, viruses, exosomes, nanoparticles, and other macromolecular samples.

Q2: What do YM-3, YM-10, YM-30, YM-50, and YM-100 represent?
A: They represent different molecular weight cutoff specifications. YM-3 corresponds to 3kDa, YM-10 to 10kDa, YM-30 to 30kDa, YM-50 to 50kDa, and YM-100 to 100kDa.

Q3: How do I choose the appropriate MWCO?
A: It is generally recommended to select an MWCO approximately 1/2 to 1/3 of the target molecule's molecular weight. For example, for a 30kDa target protein, 10kDa may be considered; for a 100kDa target protein, 30kDa, 50kDa, or 100kDa may be selected depending on the experimental objective.

Q4: Can these be used for protein desalting?
A: Yes. By repeatedly adding new buffer and centrifuging, salts, small-molecule impurities, or original buffer components can be removed, achieving rapid desalting and buffer exchange.

Q5: Why is filtration speed slow?
A: Common causes include high sample viscosity, high protein concentration, membrane clogging, low-temperature operation, excessively small MWCO, or particulate impurities in the sample. Pre-centrifugation, appropriate dilution, extended centrifugation time, or selecting a larger MWCO may help.

Q6: Can these be used for virus and exosome concentration?
A: Yes. For virus, exosome, and nanoparticle samples, larger MWCO grades such as YM-50 or YM-100 are typically recommended, with specific selection based on particle size, recovery requirements, and downstream experimental objectives.

Q7: Can ultrafiltration membranes be reused?
A: Reuse is not recommended, as it may lead to cross-contamination, membrane clogging, increased adsorption, or reduced retention performance, particularly unsuitable for precious samples and high-sensitivity experiments.

Q8: What should I do if precipitate appears after concentration?
A: This may be due to excessive protein concentration, unsuitable buffer conditions, or overly aggressive centrifugation. Consider reducing the concentration factor, lowering centrifugal force, shortening centrifugation time, gently mixing the sample, or optimizing the buffer system.

Q9: What could cause low target protein recovery?
A: Possible causes include excessively large MWCO selection, target molecule adsorption, sample precipitation, excessive centrifugal force, or loss during recovery. Consider selecting a smaller MWCO, pre-washing the membrane, reducing centrifugal force, or optimizing buffer conditions.

Q10: How do I choose between YM-3 and YM-10?
A: Choose YM-3 if the target molecule is small or stronger retention is required; YM-10 is generally more suitable for larger target proteins or when faster filtration speed is desired.

Q11: What is the difference between YM-50 and YM-100?
A: YM-50 provides finer retention, suitable for large proteins and certain virus samples; YM-100 has a larger pore size cutoff, more suitable for virus, exosome, and macromolecular complex concentration, and typically offers faster filtration speed.

Q12: Can these be used for electrolyte desalting?
A: They can be used for desalting or small molecule removal in certain electrolyte systems, but selection should be based on target molecule size, salt concentration, solvent system, and membrane compatibility. Small-scale testing is recommended when necessary.

IX. Product Summary

Amicon Ultra regenerated cellulose ultrafiltration membranes are efficient laboratory consumables suitable for concentration, desalting, buffer exchange, and macromolecule retention of biological samples. This series covers five commonly used MWCO grades—YM-3, YM-10, YM-30, YM-50, and YM-100—accommodating diverse processing needs from small proteins to viruses, exosomes, and nanoparticles.

For small proteins or low-molecular-weight targets, YM-3 or YM-10 is recommended; for routine protein concentration and buffer exchange, YM-10 or YM-30 is recommended; for large proteins, viruses, exosomes, and nanoparticles, YM-50 or YM-100 is recommended. Proper selection of MWCO and operating conditions can effectively improve sample concentration efficiency, recovery, and downstream experimental stability.

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Partial references citing our materials (from Google Scholar)

Carbon Dioxide Reduction

1. ACS Nano Strain Relaxation in Metal Alloy Catalysts Steers the Product Selectivity of Electrocatalytic CO₂ Reduction

The bipolar membrane (Fumasep FBM) in this paper was purchased from SCI Materials Hub, which was used in rechargeable Zn-CO₂ battery tests. The authors reported a strain relaxation strategy to determine lattice strains in bimetal MNi alloys (M = Pd, Ag, and Au) and realized an outstanding CO₂-to-CO Faradaic efficiency of 96.6% with outstanding activity and durability toward a Zn-CO₂ battery.

2. Front. Chem. Boosting Electrochemical Carbon Dioxide Reduction on Atomically Dispersed Nickel Catalyst

In this paper, Vulcan XC-72R was purchased from SCI Materials Hub. Vulcan XC 72R carbon is the most common catalyst support used in the anode and cathode electrodes of Polymer Electrolyte Membrane Fuel Cells (PEMFC), Direct Methanol Fuel Cells (DMFC), Alkaline Fuel Cells (AFC), Microbial Fuel Cells (MFC), Phosphoric Acid Fuel Cells (PAFC), and many more!

3. Adv. Mater. Partially Nitrided Ni Nanoclusters Achieve Energy-Efficient Electrocatalytic CO₂ Reduction to CO at Ultralow Overpotential

An AEM membrane (Sustainion X37-50 Grade RT, purchased from SCI Materials Hub) was activated in 1 M KOH for 24 h, washed with ultra-purity water prior to use.

4. Adv. Funct. Mater. Nanoconfined Molecular Catalysts in Integrated Gas Diffusion Electrodes for High-Current-Density CO₂ Electroreduction

In this paper (Supporting Information), an anion exchanged membrane (Fumasep FAB-PK-130 obtained from SCI Materials Hub (www.scimaterials.cn)) was used to separate the catholyte and anolyte chambers.

SCI Materials Hub: we also recommend our Fumasep FAB-PK-75 for the use in a flow cell.

5. Appl. Catal. B Efficient utilization of nickel single atoms for CO₂ electroreduction by constructing 3D interconnected nitrogen-doped carbon tube network

In this paper, the Nafion 117 membrane was obtained from SCI Materials Hub.

6. Vacuum Modulable Cu(0)/Cu(I)/Cu(II) sites of Cu/C catalysts derived from MOF for highly selective CO₂ electroreduction to hydrocarbons

In this paper, Proton exchange membrane (Nafion 117), Nafion D520, and Toray 060 carbon paper were purchased from SCI Materials Hub.

7. National Science Review Confinement of ionomer for electrocatalytic CO2 reduction reaction via efficient mass transfer pathways

An anion exchange membrane (PiperION-A15-HCO3) was obtained from SCI Materials Hub.

8. Catalysis Communications Facilitating CO2 electroreduction to C2H4 through facile regulating {100} & {111} grain boundary of Cu2O

Carbon paper (TGPH060), membrane solution (Nafion D520), and ionic membrane (Nafion N117) were obtained from Wuhu Eryi Material Technology Co., Ltd (a company under SCI Materials Hub).

Batteries

1. J. Mater. Chem. A Blocking polysulfides with a Janus Fe3C/N-CNF@RGO electrode via physiochemical confinement and catalytic conversion for high-performance lithium–sulfur batteries

Graphene oxide (GO) in this paper was obtained from SCI Materials Hub. The authors introduced a Janus Fe3C/N-CNF@RGO electrode consisting of 1D Fe3C decorated N-doped carbon nanofibers (Fe3C/N-CNFs) side and 2D reduced graphene oxide (RGO) side as the free-standing carrier of Li2S6 catholyte to improve the overall electrochemical performance of Li-S batteries.

2. Joule A high-voltage and stable zinc-air battery enabled by dual-hydrophobic-induced proton shuttle shielding

This paper used more than 10 kinds of materials from SCI Materials Hub and the authors gave detailed properity comparsion.

The commercial IEMs of Fumasep FAB-PK-130 and Nafion N117 were obtained from SCI Materials Hub.

Gas diffusion layers of GDL340 (CeTech) and SGL39BC (Sigracet) and Nafion dispersion (Nafion D520) were obtained from SCI Materials Hub.

Zn foil (100 mm thickness) and Zn powder were obtained from the SCI Materials Hub.

Commercial 20% Pt/C, 40% Pt/C and IrO2 catalysts were also obtained from SCI Materials Hub.

3. Journal of Energy Chemistry Vanadium oxide nanospheres encapsulated in N-doped carbon nanofibers with morphology and defect dual-engineering toward advanced aqueous zinc-ion batteries

In this paper, carbon cloth (W0S1011) was obtained from SCI Materials Hub. The flexible carbon cloth matrix guaranteed the stabilization of the electrode and improved the conductivity of the cathode.

4. Energy Storage Materials Defect-abundant commercializable 3D carbon papers for fabricating composite Li anode with high loading and long life

The 3D carbon paper (TGPH060 raw paper) were purchased from SCI Materials Hub.

5. Nanomaterials A Stable Rechargeable Aqueous Zn–Air Battery Enabled by Heterogeneous MoS2 Cathode Catalysts

Nafion D520 (5 wt%), and carbon paper (GDL340) were received from SCI-Materials-Hub.

6. SSRN An Axially Directed Cobalt-Phthalocyanine Covalent Organic Polymer as High-Efficient Bifunctional Catalyst for Zn-Air Battery

Carbon cloth (W0S1011) and other electrochemical consumables required for air cathode were provided by SCI Materials Hub.

Oxygen Reduction Reaction

1. J. Chem. Eng. Superior Efficiency Hydrogen Peroxide Production in Acidic Media through Epoxy Group Adjacent to Co-O/C Active Centers on Carbon Black

In this paper, Vulcan XC 72 carbon black, ion membrane (Nafion N115, 127 μL), Nafion solution (D520, 5 wt%), and carbon paper (AvCarb GDS 2230 and Spectracarb 2050A-1050) were purchased from SCI Materials Hub.

2. Journal of Colloid and Interface Science Gaining insight into the impact of electronic property and interface electrostatic field on ORR kinetics in alloy engineering via theoretical prognostication and experimental validation

The 20 wt% Pt3M (M = Cr, Co, Cu, Pd, Sn, and Ir) were purchased from SCI Materials Hub. This work places emphasis on the kinetics of the ORR concerning Pt3M (M = Cr, Co, Cu, Pd, Sn, and Ir) catalysts, and integrates theoretical prognostication and experimental validation to illuminate the fundamental principles of alloy engineering.

Water Electrolysis

1. International Journal of Hydrogen Energy Gold as an efficient hydrogen isotope separation catalyst in proton exchange membrane water electrolysis

The cathodic catalysts of Pt/C (20 wt%, 2–3 nm) and Au/C (20 wt%, 4–5 nm) were purchased from SCI Materials Hub.

2. Small Science Silver Compositing Boosts Water Electrolysis Activity and Durability of RuO2 in a Proton-Exchange-Membrane Water Electrolyzer

Two fiber felts (0.35 mm thickness, SCI Materials Hub) were used as the porous transport layers at both the cathode and the anode.

3. Advanced Functional Materials Hierarchical Crystalline/Amorphous Heterostructure MoNi/NiMoOx for Electrochemical Hydrogen Evolution with Industry-Level Activity and Stability

Anion-exchange membrane (FAA-3-PK-130) was obtained from SCI Materials Hub website.

Fuel Cells

1. Polymer Sub-two-micron ultrathin proton exchange membrane with reinforced mechanical strength

Gas diffusion electrode (60% Pt/C, Carbon paper) was purchased from SCI Materials Hub.

Characterization

1. Chemical Engineering Journal Electrochemical reconstitution of Prussian blue analogue for coupling furfural electro-oxidation with photo-assisted hydrogen evolution reaction

An Au nanoparticle film was deposited on the total reflecting plane of a single reflection ATR crystal (SCI Materials Hub, Wuhu, China) via sputter coater.