ULTRAFILTRATION Meaning and
Definition
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Ultrafiltration is a process of liquid or fluid separation that utilizes a semi-permeable membrane to separate macromolecules from a solution. It is a type of membrane filtration that selectively removes unwanted particles based on their size and molecular weight.
In ultrafiltration, a pressure differential is applied across a membrane, which allows the solvent and small solutes to pass through while larger particles, such as proteins, colloids, and macromolecules, are retained. The membrane used in this process has pores with a specific size range, typically ranging from 0.01 to 0.1 micrometers in diameter. These pores act as physical barriers, preventing the passage of large particles while allowing smaller molecules to permeate the membrane.
This filtration technique is widely used in various industries, including pharmaceuticals, food and beverage, water treatment, and biotechnology. It is employed for concentration, purification, and separation of substances. Ultrafiltration is particularly effective in removing suspended solids, bacteria, viruses, and other undesirable contaminants from liquids and solutions.
Ultrafiltration offers several advantages over other filtration methods. It operates at lower pressures compared to other techniques like reverse osmosis, resulting in reduced energy consumption. It also provides higher selectivity, allowing specific molecules of interest to be extracted or enriched while leaving behind unwanted impurities. Moreover, it is a relatively gentle process that minimizes damage to delicate biomolecules, making it suitable for applications in the biopharmaceutical and biotechnology sectors.
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Filtration through a jelly filter or any ultrafilter which serves to separate colloid solutions from crystalloids and to separate particles of different size in a colloid mixture from each other.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for ULTRAFILTRATION
Etymology of ULTRAFILTRATION
The word "ultrafiltration" is derived from the combination of two terms: "ultra" and "filtration".
The prefix "ultra-" comes from the Latin word "ultra", meaning "beyond" or "on the further side". It is used to convey notions of excess, extremity, or transcendence. In the context of filtration, the term "ultra" suggests a process or technique that goes beyond traditional or standard filtration methods.
The word "filtration" originates from the Latin verb "filtrare", which means "to strain" or "to filter". It refers to the process of separating suspended particles or impurities from a liquid or gas by passing it through a porous substance or a filter.
