D A T A

S H E E T

Ultracel PLC Membranes

TM

The membrane of choice for ultra-low protein binding and

robust process performance

Ultracel PLC membranes are strongly

recommended for applications with
highly fouling process streams such as
lipids, DNA, and RNA.
Ultracel PLC void-free composite
membranes combine ultra-low protein
binding, low fouling, and solvent
resistance with superb mechanical
strength. Casting the regenerated
cellulose membrane onto a microporous polyethylene substrate creates
a uniform, robust structure, with high
integrity and greater resistance to
back pressure.

Advantages of Choosing
Ultracel PLC Membranes
Void-free structure results in
excellent retention and
improved integrity

Ultracel PLC. Composite regenerated cellulose with

void-free structure.

Ultracel PLC membranes are the

membranes of choice for purifying
therapeutic protein products when the
use of harsh chemicals for cleaning
and sanitization is not required.

Typical Applications
Require maximum recovery from
dilute protein solutions
Use organic solvents or
antifoaming agents

Regenerated cellulose membrane

provides ultra-low protein binding
and low fouling during use
Composite structure gives the
membrane improved back
pressure resistance
Ultracel PLC membranes are available in a wide range of molecular
weight cut-offs to meet all of your
application needs

Improved Integrity
The void-free structure of Ultracel PLC
membranes gives them virtually
undetectable downstream air flow
compared to conventional UF
membranes (Figure 1).

0
l1
na
it o
en
nv
Co

60
50

Air Flow cc/min

40
30

al

tion

en
onv

20

30
nal

ntio

nve
Co

10
Ultracel 30

Ultracel 10

Ultracel 5

-20
10

50

30

Test Pressure psi

Figure 1. Air flow integrity testing of Ultracel PLC membranes versus

conventional UF membranes

Improved Back Pressure

Resistance

80

Back-Pressure Resistance, psi

Ultracel PLC Membrane has great

resistance to reverse pressure pulses
(back pressure) compared to
conventional UF membranes (Figure 2).

90

70

Conventional UF
Membrane
Ultracel PLC

60
50
40
30
20
10
0
10

30

100

NMWL Rating, kDa

Figure 2. Back pressure resistance of Ultracel PLC membrane versus

conventional UF membrane

Low Protein Binding

IgG Bound, g/cm2

Ultracel PLC, a naturally hydrophilic

regenerated cellulose membrane,
exhibits the lowest non-specific protein
binding of any UF membrane. As a
result, the low protein-binding Ultracel
PLC membrane exhibits low fouling
characteristics, and is easily cleaned.
Polyethersulfone and cellulose
acetate used in conventional UF membranes bind proteins at much higher
levels than regenerated cellulose
(Figure 3).

Gamma Globulin Binding by Membrane

1.1

0.9

0.7

0.5

Ultracel PLC
Membranes

Cellulose
Acetate

Polysulfone

Figure 3. Protein binding of Ultracel PLC membrane versus

conventional UF membrane

100

Consistent Process Performance

Flux (lmh)

Even when used with high concentrations of protein, Ultracel PLC maintains
its flux through multiple cleaning
cycles, demonstrating the low fouling
nature of the membrane (Figure 4).

Run
2

10

Successive Process Runs

Figure 4. Low fouling characteristics of Ultracel PLC membranes

in human serum albumin

Improved Cleanability

50

Flux (lmh-bar at 15 C)

A simple caustic cleaning regimen

restores normalized water permeability
(NWP) to near initial levels following
sequential process runs (Figure 5).

Post-Run
Pre-Run

Successive Process Runs

Figure 5. Consistent return of water permeability after cleaning

Ultracel Membrane Dextran Rejection

1
PLCGC

PLCMK

Rejection Coefficient

0.9
PLCHK
PLCCC

PLC10

PLCXK

PLCTK

0.8

0.7

0.6

0.5
1000

10000

100000

1000000

Molecular Weight

Figure 6. UF membrane Dextran retention profile

To Place an Order or Receive

Technical Assistance
For additional information call your
nearest Millipore office:
In the U.S. and Canada,
call toll-free 1-800-MILLIPORE
(1-800-645-5476)
In the U.S., Canada and Puerto
Rico, fax orders to 1-800-MILLIFX
(1-800-645-5439)
Internet: www.millipore.com
Tech Service:
www.millipore.com/techservice

Specifications
Membrane

Relative protein binding

Composite regenerated cellulose with void-free

structure, compatible with solutions having a pH
between 2 and 13.
Ultra low for use with dilute protein solutions
(less than 0.1 mg/mL).

Ultracel PLC Applications

Ultracel PLC Membrane

PLCCC
PLC10
PLCGC
PLCTK
PLCHK
PLCMK
PLCXK

NMWL* (kDa)

5
10**
10
30
100
300
1000

Typical Application

Proinsulin, hematopoetic factors

Hemoglobin enzymes
Hemoglobin, enzymes
Monoclonal IgGs
Small viruses, viral antigens
Large viruses, IgMs
Large viruses, cells, colloids,
particulates

* Nominal Molecular Weight Limit

** Tighter retention and specification than PLGC

Millipore and Pellicon are registered trademarks of

Millipore Corporation.
Ultracell is a trademark of Millipore Corporation.
Lit. No. PF1401EN00 Rev. A 06/02 02-175
Printed in U.S.A.
2002, Millipore Corporation, Bedford, MA 01730
U.S.A. All rights reserved.

Product Usage
Ultracel PLC membranes are found in Pellicon XL devices and Pellicon 2
Cassettes from Millipore.