0.22 / 0.45 / 0.65 / 0.8 / 3.0 / 5.0 μm
13-293mm diameters
Hydrophilic
High flow rate Sterility testing
Microbiology Bulk & OEM available
Availability: In Stock
MCE Membrane Filter
Description
What Is MCE Membrane Filter?
MCE membrane filters are hydrophilic filters manufactured from a blend of nitrocellulose and cellulose acetate. They are widely used in laboratories for aqueous filtration, sterility testing, and microbiological analysis due to their excellent flow rates and high protein binding capacity.
Hawach offers a comprehensive range of MCE membrane filters with pore sizes from 0.22μm to 5.0μm and diameters from 13mm to 293mm. These filters are also available as gridded membrane filters for colony counting applications. For water testing, pharmaceutical QC, and environmental monitoring, our MCE filters are trusted by laboratories worldwide. Sterile versions are available for bioburden testing and microbial limit testing.
MCE Membrane Filter Selection Guide
| Application | Recommended Pore Size | Typical Diameter |
| Sterility Testing | 0.22μm | 47mm |
| Water Testing (Coliform) | 0.45μm | 47mm |
| Microbial Limit Test | 0.45μm | 47mm |
| Bioburden Testing | 0.22μm or 0.45μm | 47mm |
| Particle Analysis | 0.8μm | 25-47mm |
| Prefiltration | 3.0μm | 47-90mm |
| Coarse Filtration | 5.0μm | 47-90mm |
MCE Membrane Filters for Microbiological Analysis
MCE membrane filters are the industry standard for membrane filtration in microbiology. The 47mm, 0.45μm configuration is the most widely used format for water microbiology, food safety testing, and pharmaceutical QC. The smooth surface enables uniform colony growth, while the white membrane provides clear contrast for accurate enumeration.
Water microbiology Food microbiology Pharmaceutical QC Bioburden testing Microbial limit testing Coliform enumeration Yeast & mold detection Sterility testing
Key Features & Benefits
Hydrophilic Nature
Naturally hydrophilic, MCE membranes wet easily with aqueous solutions without pre-wetting agents.
High Flow Rates
Optimized pore structure delivers excellent flow while maintaining high retention efficiency.
Wide Pore Size Range
Six pore sizes from 0.22μm to 5.0μm cover diverse applications.
High Protein Binding
Ideal for protein capture, immobilization, and membrane-based assays.
Sterilizable
Compatible with autoclaving, EtO, and gamma irradiation.
Batch COA Available
Each production batch is tested and accompanied by a Certificate of Analysis for full traceability.
Technical Data
| Filter Media | Hydrophilic MCE | |
| Pore Size | 0.1 μm, 0.22 μm, 0.45 μm, 0.8 μm, 1.0 μm, 3.0 μm, 5.0 μm | |
| Diameter | 13 mm, 25 mm, 47 mm, 90 mm, 142 mm, 293 mm | |
| Bubble Point | ≧0.31 MPa(0.22 μm) | ≧0.15 MPa(0.45 μm) |
| Flow Rate@23 °C, H2O | ≥ 10 mL/min/cm2@1 bar(0.22 μm) | ≥ 20 mL/min/cm2@1 bar(0.45 μm) |
| Thickness | 85 – 100 μm | |
| PH Range | 3.5 – 8 | |
| Chemical compatibility | Ideal for aqueous based samples | |
| Maximum Operating Pressure | 4.2 bar@23 °C | 1.5 bar@85 °C |
MCE vs Sartorius & Millipore – How Hawach Compares
| Feature | Hawach MCE | Sartorius | Millipore |
| Pore size range | 0.22-5.0μm | 0.2-8.0μm | 0.1-5.0μm |
| Diameter options | 13-293mm | 13-293mm | 13-293mm |
| Hydrophilic | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Protein binding | High | High | High |
| Sterilization methods | Autoclave, EtO, Gamma | Autoclave, EtO, Gamma | Autoclave, EtO, Gamma |
| Gridded option | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Sterile option | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Batch COA | Standard | Standard | Standard |
| OEM / bulk packaging | Flexible | Limited | Limited |
| Price level | Competitive | Premium | Premium |
Hawach delivers comparable quality with factory-direct pricing and flexible packaging options.
MCE vs Other Membrane Materials
| Property | MCE | CA | PES | PTFE |
| Hydrophilicity | Hydrophilic | Hydrophilic | Hydrophilic | Hydrophobic |
| Protein Binding | High | Low | Very Low | Very Low |
| Flow Rate | High | Medium | High | High |
| Chemical Compatibility | Aqueous, mild acids/alkalis | Aqueous | Aqueous, mild solvents | Wide (organics, acids) |
| Sterilizable | Autoclave, EtO, Gamma | Autoclave, EtO | Autoclave, Gamma | Autoclave, EtO |
| Typical Applications | Aqueous filtration, sterility testing, water testing | Aqueous filtration | Biological samples, protein solutions | Organic solvents, air/gas |
Note: MCE is the preferred choice for aqueous filtration and microbiology applications. See also PTFE membrane filters, PES membrane filters, and Nylon membrane filters for other applications.
How to Choose the Right MCE Membrane Filter
By Pore Size:
- 0.22 μm: Sterilization, buffer filtration, bacteria removal
- 0.45 μm: General aqueous filtration, coliform enumeration, particle analysis
- 0.65 μm: Coarser filtration, yeast and mold retention, pre-filtration
- 0.8 μm: Large particle removal, fast filtration, turbidity reduction
- 3.0 μm & 5.0 μm: Coarse filtration, pre-filtration, gross particle removal
By Diameter:
- 13-25mm: Syringe filters, small-volume applications, field testing
- 47mm: Standard laboratory filtration, sterility testing, microbiological analysis
- 50-90mm: Larger sample volumes, specialized filter holders
- 142-293mm: Industrial scale filtration, high-volume processing, bulk sampling
Why Choose Hawach MCE Membrane Filters?
Consistent Pore Structure
Advanced manufacturing ensures uniform pore size distribution for reproducible results.
Batch COA Included
Each lot is tested and comes with a Certificate of Analysis – essential for regulated laboratories.
OEM & Private Label
Custom packaging, logo printing, and bulk supply for distributors and OEM partners.
Bulk Inventory
Substantial stock levels ensure fast dispatch and consistent supply for routine orders.
Fast Global Shipping
Reliable logistics network with express shipping options to major markets worldwide.
ISO 9001 Manufacturing
Produced under certified quality management system with batch-to-batch traceability.
Technical Specifications
| Membrane Material | Mixed Cellulose Esters (MCE) |
| Hydrophilicity | Hydrophilic |
| Pore Sizes | 0.22μm, 0.45μm, 0.65μm, 0.8μm, 3.0μm, 5.0μm |
| Diameters | 13mm, 25mm, 47mm, 50mm, 60mm, 90mm, 142mm, 293mm |
| pH Range | 4.0 – 8.0 |
| Max Operating Temperature | 130°C |
| Sterilization Methods | Autoclaving (121°C, 15-20 min), EtO, Gamma Irradiation |
| Packaging | 50-400 pcs/pack (depending on diameter) |
| Batch COA | Available upon request |
| Technical Data | Available upon request |
Scanning Electron Microscope Picture
Ordering Information – MCE Membrane Filters
All filters are non-sterile. Sterile and gridded versions are available separately. View Sterile Gridded MCE Membrane Filters →
Availability Matrix – Pore Size × Diameter
| Pore Size | 0.22μm | 0.45μm | 0.65μm | 0.8μm | 3.0μm | 5.0μm |
| 13mm | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| 25mm | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| 47mm | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| 50mm | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| 60mm | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| 90mm | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| 142mm | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| 293mm | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Popular Applications
- Water Testing
- Sterility Testing
- Microbial Limit Testing
- HPLC Sample Preparation
- PharmaceuticalQC
- Bioburden Testing
- Environmental Monitoring
- Food & Beverage QC
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between MCE and cellulose acetate membrane filters?
MCE is a blend of nitrocellulose and cellulose acetate. It offers higher flow rates and better protein binding, making it the preferred choice for microbiological testing and sterility testing.
Why is 0.45μm MCE membrane used for microbiological testing?
0.45μm is the standard pore size for coliform bacteria enumeration and general water testing. It retains bacteria while allowing sufficient flow for sample processing.
Can MCE membrane filters be used for sterility testing?
Yes. 0.22μm MCE membrane filters are commonly used for sterility testing in pharmaceutical QC, bioburden determination, and microbial limit testing.
What is the bacterial retention efficiency of a 0.22μm MCE membrane?
0.22μm MCE membranes are commonly used for bacterial retention and sterility testing. For specific performance data, please request our technical datasheet.
Are MCE membrane filters suitable for protein binding applications?
Yes. MCE membranes exhibit high protein binding capacity, making them suitable for protein capture, immobilization, and membrane-based assays.
Do you provide batch COA for MCE membrane filters?
Yes. Each production batch is tested and we provide Certificates of Analysis upon request. This supports regulatory compliance for GMP and ISO laboratories.
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