What is liofilisation?

Lyophilization, also known as freeze-drying, is a process that removes water from a product through sublimation. This is done by freezing the product and then reducing the pressure surrounding it, which causes the water molecules to turn directly from a solid into a gas.

Lyophilization is used to preserve a wide variety of products, including food, pharmaceuticals, and biological materials. It is a gentle process that does not damage the product's structure or composition, and it can also extend the product's shelf life.

The lyophilization process typically involves the following steps:

1. Freezing: The product is frozen to a temperature below its triple point, which is the temperature and pressure at which the solid, liquid, and gas phases of a substance can coexist in equilibrium.

2. Primary drying: The frozen product is placed in a vacuum chamber, and the pressure is reduced. This causes the water molecules to sublime, and the water vapor is removed from the chamber.

3. Secondary drying: The product is heated gently to remove any remaining water molecules.

4. Cooling: The product is cooled to room temperature.

Once the lyophilization process is complete, the product is a dry, porous solid that is stable and has a long shelf life.

Lyophilization is a versatile process that can be used to preserve a wide variety of products. It is a gentle process that does not damage the product's structure or composition, and it can also extend the product's shelf life.