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Introduction to Freeze Drying

2: Freeze Dried Product

Freeze-drying in the pharmaceutical and biotech industries is commonly carried out in vials but it may be carried out in a number of other formats, for example ampoules and trays (known as bulk drying). In laboratories product is sometimes freeze dried in flasks, attached to small-scale manifold dryers. Newer innovations in the field include drying in blister packs.

Freeze drying is also commonly used outside the pharmaceutical and biotech markets. Examples include instant coffee and powdered milk, emergency or "survival" foods, herbs and ingredients. Whole fruit or vegetables can be freeze dried, for example for use in breakfast cereals. Freeze drying is a gentle process in comparison to other drying methods, and so it is sometimes used for document recovery after a disaster.

A typical freeze-dried product will have the same volume as the original sample, even if it was initially a liquid. The dry product is usually fragile and hygroscopic (will quickly absorb moisture). This means that they reconstitute easily, but it also means they need to be kept in a closed container.


Ampoules - picture right shows adapter for attaching amopoules to a benchtop freeze dryer


Vials, the classic format for pharmaceutical and biotech freeze drying


Flasks, typically used for research


Freeze dried fruit & vegetables

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