Concept:
Membrane filtration is a method used to sterilize heat-sensitive liquids such as vaccines, enzymes, and culture media by physically removing microorganisms.
Step 1: Understanding membrane filtration.
It involves passing liquid through a filter with very small pore sizes to retain microorganisms.
Step 2: Typical pore size.
A pore size of
0.22 µm is commonly used to remove bacteria and achieve sterilization.
Step 3: Why this size is effective.
- Most bacteria are larger than 0.22 µm
- Ensures removal of microbial contaminants
Step 4: Eliminating other options.
- 1.0 µm and 0.45 µm: May allow some bacteria to pass
- 5.0 µm: Too large, ineffective for sterilization
Step 5: Conclusion.
Thus, 0.22 µm is the standard pore size used for sterilizing heat-sensitive liquids.