PVDF membranes, or polyvinylidene fluoride membranes, are commonly used as solid supports in Western blotting. PVDF membranes are hydrophobic and come in various pore sizes. As the pore size decreases, the membrane binds low-molecular-weight proteins more firmly. Proteins larger than 20,000 molecular weight should use a 0.45μm membrane, while proteins smaller than 20,000 molecular weight should use a 0.2μm membrane. PVDF membranes require pretreatment before use. Methanol treatment activates the positive charge groups on the membrane surface, facilitating binding with negatively charged proteins. PVDF membranes possess high mechanical strength, making them an ideal solid-phase support material for blotting techniques.

Material Properties:

Membrane materials used in membrane structures are thin films characterized by strength and flexibility. They are manufactured by coating a woven fabric substrate with resin on both sides. The central fabric substrate is made of polyester or glass fiber. In terms of mechanical properties, the fabric substrate and coating material possess the following functional characteristics:

Fabric Base:

Coating Material:

PVDF membrane material boasts high thermal softening point for reduced cracking risk, excellent cost-effectiveness, short production cycles, and rapid installation. Through continuous process and material improvements in recent years, its weather resistance and stain resistance have been further enhanced. High-self-cleaning PVDF membrane material can achieve a service life exceeding 15 years, making it currently one of the most widely used membrane materials domestically.

Membrane Material Overview: Comparison of Imported PVDF Membranes vs. Domestic Membranes

Membrane Material:

Membrane material consists of a fabric substrate woven from fibers, coated on both sides with resin for processing and fixation. Fabric substrates are categorized into polyester fiber and glass fiber types. Coating materials include polyvinyl chloride resin (PVC), silicone, and polytetrafluoroethylene resin (PTFE).

Mechanically, the substrate and coating materials provide the following functions:

Fabric Substrate — Tensile strength, tear resistance, heat resistance, durability, fire resistance.

Coating Material — Weather resistance, stain resistance, processability, water resistance, chemical resistance, light transmission.

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