Sartorius Stedim Biotech, a leading supplier of products and services for the biopharmaceutical industry, is expanding its portfolio for quality assurance in the lab. Microsart® @vance® is the new product line that joins the established Microsart® family, and has been specifically designed for microbiological quality control in the pharmaceutical and biopharmaceutical industries. Microsart® @vance® enables efficient, advanced work flows in quality assurance laboratories and meets the highest safety standards. As a result, the new product line more than meets the demanding requirements of the pharmaceutical and biopharmaceutical industries. The single-use filter units, Microsart® @filter 100 and 250, lead the vanguard of this new range and have been specifically developed for the detection and enumeration of microorganisms in pharmaceuticals and cosmetics.

Efficient Analysis, Reliable Results

Just a few steps are all it takes to go from sampling to incubation using Microsart® @filter and obtain reliable analytical results. The filter units are sterile-packaged, ready to connect and can be used right "out of the box" in the quality assurance laboratory. Thanks to the optimized design of the filter unit, the entire sample is filtered, without any liquid retained on the funnel walls. This eliminates the need for rinsing after filtration, unless required by specific regulations. The filter and funnel form an all-in-one, sterile unit and thus minimize the risk of secondary contamination. The cellulose nitrate (cellulose ester) membrane combines effective retention of microorganisms with high flow rates and optimal colony growth. Its printed grid facilitates colony counting, especially in the case of microcolonies and relatively high numbers of colony-forming units.

Easy Use with the Greatest Possible Flexibility

Microbiological analysis using Microsart® @filter is exceptionally easy: after samples are taken, the sterile filter unit is removed from the package and attached to a filter station. The transparent filter units with graduated marks on their funnels enable users to readily check the filling volume and the progress of filtration. The Click-Fit closure on the filter unit can be easily opened and the funnel quickly removed. In addition, the membrane can be conveniently removed as the filter base has notches for the forceps. After filtration, the membrane filter is placed on a petri dish with an agar culture medium that is specifically formulated for the microorganisms to detect, and the colony-forming units are later counted. Microsart® @filter products are ideal for sample volumes of up to 100 ml and 250 ml and their membranes are available in a choice of pore sizes and filter colors. Packaged in trays with lids for use in clean benches or stacked for secure removal using a Microsart® Funnel Dispenser, they offer the right version for any laboratory situation. Microsart® @filter can be used in combination with all products of the Microsart® and Combisart® series, without entailing any additional investment.

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Sartorius Stedim Biotech

Sartorius Stedim Biotech is a leading provider of cutting-edge equipment and services for the development, quality assurance and production processes of the biopharmaceutical industry. Its integrated solutions covering fermentation, filtration, purification, fluid management and lab technologies are supporting the biopharmaceutical industry around the world to develop and produce drugs safely, timely and economically. Sartorius Stedim Biotech focuses on single-use technologies and value-added services to meet the rapidly changing technology requirements of the industry it serves. Strongly rooted in the scientific community and closely allied with customers and technology partners, the company is dedicated to its philosophy of "turning science into solutions".

Headquartered in Aubagne, France, Sartorius Stedim Biotech is listed on the Eurolist of Euronext Paris. With its own manufacturing and R&D sites in Europe, North America and Asia and a global network of sales companies, Sartorius Stedim Biotech enjoys a worldwide presence. Its key manufacturing and R&D site is in Germany. The company employs approximately 2,400 people, and earned in 2009 sales revenue of 401,2 million euros according to preliminary figures.