What filter should I use for cell culture media?
The short answer: a sterile 0.22 µm PES filter—bottle-top format for larger volumes, syringe format for small ones.
Quick answer
PES at 0.22 µm, sterile, is the standard choice for cell culture media and buffers—low protein binding, good aqueous compatibility, and appropriate pore size for sterilizing-grade filtration. Bottle-top filters suit larger media volumes; syringe filters suit small-volume additions and supplements.
Why sterility isn't optional here
Media that isn't sterile after filtration defeats the purpose of the step—this is one of the clearest cases where sterile filtration is a genuine requirement, not a nice-to-have. See our sterility guide.
Format choice
See our vacuum filtration guide for bottle-top vs. standalone systems if you're processing larger media volumes.
Need a more specific recommendation?
Tell us your exact sample and instrument, and we'll confirm the right spec.