* * * INSIGHT * * *

Getting Started in Lyophilization

By

Thomas A. Jennings, Ph.D.

One of the frequent questions that I am asked, often by students attending a university, is how can I get started in lyophilization? Well it is true that one can read the works of others in publications like INSIGHT or in scientific journals. These publications are certainly helpful in understanding the science and technology of lyophilization but there reaches a point when one wants to try the process themselves. But far too often time or budget restraints often prevent a novice from obtaining the necessary lyophilization equipment. It is the objective of this INSIGHT to describe a simple lyophilization apparatus, perhaps similar to that used by those early investigators in this field, for the purpose of conducting lyophilization processes on known materials. Also to be able to examine the properties of a lyophilized product such as its cosmetic and reconstitution properties. There is nothing more impressive than to see how quickly a lyophilized product will go back into solution. It is experiences like these that inspire the quest for more knowledge of the process on other materials and eventually lead to the use of more sophisticated freeze-drying equipment.

This INSIGHT will first describe the construction and operation of a relatively simple  freeze-drying system than can be used to lyophilize formulations. A simple formulation will be suggested that has known  key thermal properties that will enable one to conduct the drying process and determine the nature of the final product. With this formulation one can experience both the success and sometimes the frustrations that sometimes accompany this field. But the underlying objective of this INSIGHT is to impress on the novice the important role that science plays in this field and why this field is just as exciting today as it was 100 years ago when it was just in its infancy.

Volume 4  No. 1                                                                                                    January 2001

6 Pages          No  References          1 Figure

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