Debunked! 5 lyophilization misconceptions

By Jenny Sprung, Senior Application Specialist

On August 06, 2013 in Articles

I'm always getting questions about how to freeze dry samples. With freeze drying, there is not always an easy answer. There are many variables in order to properly freeze dry your samples. This article addresses the main topics to think about prior to lyophilization:

It is often thought that a colder condenser will improve freeze drying and “suck the water out faster”. However it is if difference in vapour pressure between product and condenser that drives the process, not the condenser temperature alone.

Increasing the pressure differential between product and condenser will speed up the process. However lowering the temperature of the condenser is less efficient than raising the temperature of the product.  If we consider table 1 below we can see...

. . . .

“One size fits all” cycle development

In both manufacturing and development it’s not uncommon to find one cycle borrowed for other applications. At BTL we have seen one instance where one cycle was used for over 200 different products.  The reality is, a freeze drying cycle needs to be optimized for a specific product, batch parameters and freeze dryer. An unsuitable cycle will be inefficient at best and can even risk process failure.

Even seemingly small changes can have significant effects...

. . . . 

Find out the other three debunked freeze drying misconceptions, and read the entire article, "5 Common Misconceptions in Freeze Drying" by Laura Ciccolini on Pharmaceutical Online.