Ultrafiltration (UF) is a membrane separation technique used to separate extremely small particles and dissolved molecules in fluids. The primary basis for separation is molecular size, although other factors such as molecule shape and charge can also play a role. Molecules larger than the membrane pores will be retained at the surface of the membrane and concentrated during the ultrafiltration process.

The retention properties of ultrafiltration membranes are expressed as molecular weight cut-off (MWCO). This value refers to the approximate molecular weight of a dilute globular solute (i.e., a typical protein) which is 90% retained by the membrane. However, a molecule’s shape can have a direct effect on its retention by a membrane. For example, linear molecules like DNA may find their way through pores that will retain a globular species of the same molecular weight.