Sterilizing Syringe Filters

[Skarpyona]

Wait, so then why do you think running carrier oil through it would sterilize it? Lol

The process of sterilization by filtration

Technically speaking, I misspoke. Running BA will sterilize your filter but not because of anti bacterial effect one would believe to have on it, but rather because it will flush out whatever non sterile foreign debris on the "sterile" side of the filter remains.

A .22 micron filter is incredibly tiny. To put it in perspective, Bacteria typically fall in the
1-2um range, red blood cells are 7um, and viruses can be as tiny as 10nm. All are orders of magnitude different in size. For our application, the filter size previously mentioned is sufficient as viral infections are of minimal concern assuming

A) your vials have been adequately sterilized
B) you aren't brewing in incredible filth

What ends up on the other side of your filter is your now sterile liquid, proteins, and minimal viral agents, which won't multiply courtesy of our Benzyl alcohol which inhibits any growth of whatever living organisms that could have made it onto the sterile side.

So a carrier oil will work for the same reason flushing with BA will. You're flushing out whatever remaining contaminants are left on the sterile side with now-sterile fluid.

Would I recommend this? Not really. There's less margin for error by just getting the correct, sterile filter to begin with.

 

[Skarpyona]

Finally OP,

According to Hawach Filters, you have 4 options.

"How to sterilize syringe filters ?

Sterilization method of disposable syringe filter

1. Steam sterilization, 30 minutes.
2. Autoclave sterilization (125°C, 30 minutes).
3. Rinse in 75% ethanol solution.
4. Ethylene oxide sterilization."

My only concern about autoclave sterilization would be the filters tolerance to high heat. I'd contact the manufacturer and see what the maximum suggested temperature the membrane can sustain just to be safe.

 

[Rosconow]

Quit bein so cheap. Get some new filters!

 

[effiffoff]

"So a carrier oil will work for the same reason flushing with BA will. You're flushing out whatever remaining contaminants are left on the sterile side with now-sterile fluid."
Benzyl alcohol is used as preservative so it must be antibacterial/antiviral especially in high concentrations. Not optimal to sterilize with but better than oil. So running BA >>>>>>> oil. I have no idea how can you even think its the same as running thru oil. In case some residue is stuck you have better chance flushing out with BA.
But a question for you? If oil is same as BA, why we use any BA in our homebrewed gear?


I know you said you wouldnt do it - so its not for you- but its mindboggling for me some people will try to save IDK 2-6$ on a filter (which is good filtering 40-80ml of oil depending on the thickness of oil) while risking health.

'ohh I cant buy it from that particular source, sometimes they don't have it'.
What an unsolvable mistery! Buy more than you need, and once you have filters left for only 1 brew buy your next batch. Furthermore you can find more than one source domestic or international. Don't be a moron.

If you cant afford it gear must be your last thing to think about.

 

[Skarpyona]

"So a carrier oil will work for the same reason flushing with BA will. You're flushing out whatever remaining contaminants are left on the sterile side with now-sterile fluid."
Benzyl alcohol is used as preservative so it must be antibacterial/antiviral especially in high concentrations. Not optimal to sterilize with but better than oil. So running BA >>>>>>> oil. I have no idea how can you even think its the same as running thru oil. In case some residue is stuck you have better chance flushing out with BA.
But a question for you? If oil is same as BA, why we use any BA in our homebrewed gear?


I know you said you wouldnt do it - so its not for you- but its mindboggling for me some people will try to save IDK 2-6$ on a filter (which is good filtering 40-80ml of oil depending on the thickness of oil) while risking health.

'ohh I cant buy it from that particular source, sometimes they don't have it'.
What an unsolvable mistery! Buy more than you need, and once you have filters left for only 1 brew buy your next batch. Furthermore you can find more than one source domestic or international. Don't be a moron.

If you cant afford it gear must be your last thing to think about.

I don't know if I mentioned it previously, but we put benzyl alcohol, a bacteriostatic agent, to inhibit growth of bacteria and preserve the sterility of the solution. It doesn't sterilize your gear, that is done through the process of filtration.

All said and done, I think we both maintain the same conclusion of "don't fucking bother".

Would I be comfortable injecting myself with my proposed method? Yeah. Would I resort to that? Fuck no. Why go through the hastle. Sterile filters are the industry norm, and sold by EVERY laboratory worth their salt. It's not worth the hassle, and when I see "bulk, non sterile China", I am very apprehensive in trusting the quality of the filter itself.

 

[effiffoff]

"but we put benzyl alcohol, a bacteriostatic agent, to inhibit growth of bacteria and preserve the sterility of the solution."
So it must kill bacteria/ viruses especially in high concentration. Or at least more than oil would.

 

[Skarpyona]

"but we put benzyl alcohol, a bacteriostatic agent, to inhibit growth of bacteria and preserve the sterility of the solution."
So it must kill bacteria/ viruses especially in high concentration. Or at least more than oil would.

If anything, it can make bacteria more hardy if you try and use if as an antiseptic. Again, BA's primary function is as a preservative, mild solvent, and a bacteriostatic agent. That is not the same as an antiseptic, disinfectant, or an antibacterial.

Benzyl alcohol and ethanol can enhance the pathogenic potential of clinical Staphylococcus epidermidis strains​

Source : Benzyl alcohol and ethanol can enhance the pathogenic potential of clinical Staphylococcus epidermidis strains - PubMed

 

[Jestopherson]

If anything, it can make bacteria more hardy if you try and use if as an antiseptic. Again, BA's primary function is as a preservative, mild solvent, and a bacteriostatic agent. That is not the same as an antiseptic, disinfectant, or an antibacterial.

Benzyl alcohol and ethanol can enhance the pathogenic potential of clinical Staphylococcus epidermidis strains​

Source : Benzyl alcohol and ethanol can enhance the pathogenic potential of clinical Staphylococcus epidermidis strains - PubMed

I don't think he understands what bacteriostatic means.

It means to inhibit the growth or reproduction of bacteria. Not kill bacteria itself