The Chamberland filter, a type of bacterial filter, is commonly misspelled as "Chamberlain" due to its similarity in sound. However, its correct spelling is "Chamberland" with a short "a" sound in the first syllable and emphasis on the second syllable. In IPA phonetic transcription, it is spelled /ʃæm.bəlænd ˈfɪltər/. The filter was invented by Charles Chamberland, a French microbiologist, in the late 1800s and is still used today in various laboratory and medical applications.
A Chamberland filter, also referred to as an "envelope filter," is a type of bacterial filter commonly used in the field of microbiology and biotechnology. It is named after its inventor, Charles Chamberland, a French bacteriologist.
The Chamberland filter is essentially a porcelain or ceramic tube with a porous structure. It is designed to separate bacteria or other microorganisms from a liquid medium. The filter's porosity is carefully calibrated to allow the liquid to pass through while effectively trapping the microorganisms. This filtration process is achieved by the microscopic channels present on the filter's surface, which retain the microorganisms.
Chamberland filters have been widely used in laboratory settings to sterilize liquids or separate bacterial cells from cell culture media. They are particularly useful for obtaining bacteria-free liquids without compromising the integrity of the sample. They have played a vital role in advancing microbiological research and have been instrumental in various scientific breakthroughs.
These filters are typically utilized in combination with a vacuum system to facilitate the liquid flow through the filter. Their dimensional specifications, pore size, and material composition are essential factors in determining their filtration efficiency. Modern alternatives to the original porcelain filters include materials like nitrocellulose or membranes made from various polymers.
In summary, a Chamberland filter is an essential tool for microbial analysis and has greatly contributed to the advancement of microbiology. Its purpose is to efficiently separate microorganisms from liquids while maintaining sample purity and integrity.
A filter of unglazed porcelain through which water is forced under pressure; microorganisms not ultramicroscopic do not pass.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The term "Chamberland filter" is named after its French inventor, Charles Chamberland.