FREEZE DRYER (LYOPHILIZER)
The
freeze dryer (lyophilizer) is equipment used in many areas, from research
laboratories to the food, pharmaceutical and technological industry. This
equipment uses the freeze-drying process to perform its main function and may
have some distinct and suitable types according to the purpose for which they
were designed. Freeze Dryer, as the name suggests, is a freeze drying method equipment.
First the freezing process is applied, then the drying process. In the freeze
drying method, which is the most advanced drying method in the world, the
frozen product is sublimated under vacuum.
·
Preserves the
molecular structure of the product (retains shape).
·
Reconstitution of
the product to its in natura form by adding water.
·
Does not change
organoleptic characteristics
·
Maintains
nutritional value
· Low temperatures (preservation of protein structures and activity and volatile compounds, maintains the structure and forms pores that facilitate rehydration)
But after all, do you know what a
freeze dryer is, how it works?
HOW DOES THE FREEZE-DRYING PROCESS
WORK?
In
general, lyophilization is a process of freeze dryer that consists of removing
water (and other solvents) from a sample, through the sublimation process,
which is the passage from the solid to the gaseous state, without going through
the liquid state.
This
process allows preserving the organoleptic characteristics, such as color,
shine, light, odor, texture and flavor, as well as the original form of the
product. Therefore, it can be easily restored when hydrated. Thus, as it works
at low temperatures, it is also ideal for thermosensitive samples, such as
enzymes. Furthermore, it preserves samples by inhibiting enzymatic and
oxidative reactions, which normally take place in the presence of water. It
also increases the shelf life of products, which can be stored at room
temperature for years.
At
first, to start lyophilization it is necessary that the sample is completely
frozen. Soon after the association of low temperature and pressure, it allows
the removal of the solvent by sublimation. As a result, a product with a porous
structure as well as moisture-free is obtained that can easily be reconstituted
by adding water.
FREEZE DRYER APPLICATIONS: WHY
FREEZE-DRY?
Freeze
dryer in the food industry, this method stands out for preserving the
nutritional quality of food. The so-called “astronaut food” is a light option
(since up to 90% of water/solvents are removed from the product), nutritious
and that maintains the flavor and aroma of the product in natura.
As
well as Freeze
Dryer in the area of research and pharmaceutical industries, it
stands out for allowing the preservation of enzymes, yeasts and other
microorganisms. As well as blood products, cells, vaccines, viruses, serums,
algae, among others.
Among
the advantages of this method are, for example, accurate dosage, low enzymatic
activity, easy reconstitution, possibility of sterile manufacturing.
As
well as the most recent freeze dryer applications are: the preservation of
flowers and animals, old documents and books or those recovered from floods,
taxidermy, bone banks and tissue for implantation.
USES OF FREEZE DRYER (LYOPHILIZER):
·
Food Applications
(Coffee, Herbs, Fruits, Nutraceuticals, Vitamins, Extracts, Animal Products,
etc.)
· Pharmaceutical
and Biological Applications (Drugs, Enzymes, Biological Agents, Cell and Tissue
Applications etc.)
·
Chemistry
Applications
· Museum Recycling
(Preservation and recovery of water content such as Books, Wood, Archaeological
products, etc.)
Do
you still have questions about the freeze-drying process or the specifications
of Freeze Dryer? Talk to one of Yatherm Scientific experts. Yatherm Scientific
is a leading manufacturer and supplier of laboratory and industrial equipment
and provide high performance Laboratory
Freeze Dryer and Pharmaceutical
Freeze Dryer for optimal freeze drying results.
Read more about Horizontal Autoclave and BOD Incubator by Yatherm scientific manufacturer of scientific equipment.
