Microfiltration membrane

A filtration cartridge comprising:

• a housing;
• a pleated membrane positioned within the housing, wherein the membrane comprises:
• a first microporous zone which is symmetric or asymmetric;
• a second microporous zone which is symmetric or asymmetric;
• and
• a third microporous zone which is asymmetric, wherein the third microporous zone is positioned between the first and second microporous zones with the first, second, and third microporous zones being integral with one another, wherein the first, second, and/or third microporous zones comprise a blend of a first polymer selected from the group comprising PVDF, polyamides, polyimides, polyether sulphones, polysulphones, polyaryl sulphones, PVC, PET, polycarbonates, cellulose, regenerated cellulose, cellulose esters, polystyrenes, polyetherimides, acrylic polymers, methacrylic polymers, and copolymers of acrylic or methacrylic polymers, and a second polymer wherein the second polymer is selected from one or more hydrophilic polymers from the group comprising polyacrylic acid, polyvinylalcohol, polyvinylacetate, polyvinylpyrrolidone, polyethyleneglycol, polyvinylpyridine, polyethyleneimine, and polyoxazoline, wherein the membrane has a breaking strain of at least 20%.