SureVent hydrophobic and super-hydrophobic membranes offer high gamma stability for improved sanitization capabilities. Developed by Millipore, Billerica, Mass., a maker of membrane and chromatography media products, (millipore.com/surevent), the membranes suit liquid barrier and gas vent applications, including bag and tubing vents, vial vents, transducer protection, vent caps, insufflation, and gas monitoring anesthesia.

In medical devices, the SureVent polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) and ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene (UPE) membranes serve as alternatives to traditional ethylene-oxide sanitization treatments. Stabilized for exposure to gamma irradiation, they maintain their physical properties after gamma sterilization, replacing sterile packaging processes with a single radiation.

SureVent PVDF, a super-hydrophobic membrane, repels most liquids, including alcohol, protein, lipid, and other solutions with low surface tensions. The SureVent UPE membrane is naturally hydrophobic and provides airflow for optimal venting and gas filtration applications. It seals well to most plastics. Both membranes are available with a choice of supported and unsupported polymers.