Millipore

Millipore refers to a range of membrane filters and filtration systems developed and produced by the Millipore Corporation, which is now part of Merck KGaA following its acquisition in 2010. The term "Millipore" has become synonymous with high-purity filtration in various scientific and industrial applications, including laboratory research, biotechnology, pharmaceutical manufacturing, and water purification. Millipore filters are critical in processes requiring the removal of particulates, microorganisms, or specific molecules from liquids or gases.

History

The Millipore Corporation was founded in 1954, initially focusing on the development of membrane filters for laboratory use. Over the years, the company expanded its product line to include a wide range of filtration, purification, and separation technologies. In 2010, Millipore was acquired by Merck KGaA, a leading science and technology company, and became part of its life science division, known as Merck Millipore outside of the United States and Canada, where it operates as EMD Millipore.

Products and Applications

Millipore's product range includes membrane filters made from various materials, such as cellulose acetate, polyethersulfone (PES), and polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), each suited for specific filtration needs. These filters are available in different pore sizes, allowing for the precise separation of particles and microorganisms.

Laboratory Research

In laboratory research, Millipore filters are used for sample preparation, sterilization, and clarification of media and reagents. They are essential in microbiology for the sterile filtration of growth media and in analytical chemistry for the preparation of samples for high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC).

Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Manufacturing

In the biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries, Millipore filtration systems are employed in the production of biopharmaceuticals, including the purification of water for injection (WFI) and the filtration of process fluids to remove contaminants and ensure product purity.

Water Purification

Millipore also offers solutions for water purification, including systems designed for the production of ultrapure water for laboratory and industrial use. These systems are critical in applications where water purity is essential, such as in analytical laboratories, semiconductor manufacturing, and in the preparation of pharmaceuticals.

Technology

Millipore's filtration technology is based on the principle of size exclusion, where a membrane acts as a physical barrier that allows the passage of molecules smaller than its pore size while retaining larger particles and microorganisms. The efficiency of filtration is determined by the membrane's material, pore size, and the physicochemical properties of the fluid being filtered.

Environmental Impact

Millipore is committed to sustainability and reducing the environmental impact of its products and operations. This includes efforts to minimize waste, conserve water, and reduce energy consumption in the production and use of its filtration systems.

See Also

• Filtration
• Membrane technology
• Water purification
• Biotechnology
• Pharmaceutical industry

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