* * * INSIGHT * * *

Do You Really Know What is in Your Freeze-Dryer?

by

Thomas A. Jennings, Ph.D.

In response to the above question, I would assume that you would quickly reply “Yes”. But if pressed to explain further what you meant you might begin listing all of the internal components of an empty freeze-dryer, e.g., the shelves, hosing to the shelves, stoppering mechanism, condenser surface(s), optical baffles, thermocouples and other hardware. Being the Novice that I am in the field of lyophilization, I would repeat the above question. Your truthful response may now be “As far as I know that is all that is in the dryer.” I hope that if your dryer is being used to produce products in the food or health care industry, that your answer is indeed correct for one of the main functions of a freeze-dryer is to provide a safe environment for the product during the lyophilization process. Hence, this issue will consider what other substances could be in the dryer without your knowledge and how you would ascertain the presence of these additional materials so that you will know that your response to my question is both accurate and true.

Vol. 4 No. 5                                                                                                     May 2001

6 Pages          1  References          No Figures

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