Freeze-drying

Author: P. H. Hettich
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2005-04-01
Features: Many modern pharmaceuticals and bioproducts, such as blood derivatives, vaccines, cell arrest agents, antibiotics, bacterial cultures, as well as some consumer goods like instant coffee, are transformed through freeze-drying into a form that can be preserved long-term while retaining nearly their original state upon rehydration without quality loss. This book describes the fundamental theory of freeze-drying today. It not only introduces the entire process of freeze-drying theoretically (comprising seven stages) but also explains each stage in detail with numerous examples. Based on years of practical experience in freeze-drying, the author provides useful criteria for selecting laboratory and production equipment, discusses the advantages, disadvantages, and limitations of different equipment designs. In the second edition (revised and enhanced), the author introduces a separate section on the automation of freeze-drying processes and equipment, as well as how to convert test equipment conditions and process parameters into product parameters. The qualification guidelines for freeze-drying processes and equipment are updated and expanded, with a dedicated section focused on troubleshooting. Nearly 100 references from as recently as 2002 are newly cited, and 100 additional figures and tables are added.