Characterization of microporous membranes using confocal scanning laser microscopy in fluorescence mode

Confocal Scanning Laser Microscopy (CSLM) in fluorescence mode was used to characterize microporous membranes. Two microfiltration membranes were investigated: a mixed ester (cellulose nitrate/cellulose acetate) 1.2 μm-rated membrane and a polycarbonate track-etched membrane with cylindrical pores of 2 μm diameter. Optical sections of the membranes stained with rhodamine and mounted in glycerol were performed at 1 μm intervals, from 0 to 10 μm. CSLM was found useful for microporous membrane characterization, as it gives some insight into bulk membrane morphology