Lyophilization: Freeze Drying Complex and expensive method of drying material, usually reserved for delicate heat sensitive

materials Term derived from Greek made solvent-loving Principle: - Sublimation = conversion of water from frozen/solid to gas/vapour without going through a liquid state (removes moisture while specimens remain frozen) - Extracts water - creates a dry porous material - can be stored without refrigeration - mammalian cells are destroyed by lyophilization - materials are easily rehydrated with water Benefit: avoid protein denaturation and undesirable shrinkage Alternative: liquid phase drying Process: 1. Place wet sample in vacuum chamber and sample is frozen by evaporative cooling (can centrifuge to help dry faster and minimize frothing) 2. Alternatively can freeze before placing under vacuum