Lyophlisation - Process of lypholisation (Oct/27/2004 )

How does Lyophlisation work ?
I exactly didnot find the process and priniciple of lyophlisation . I would apperciate and imply the suggestions laid by the veterans and experts
Deepak

I think simonsays answered this question in the molecular biolology forum in the thread you started there.

mike

The lyophilization is based on the triple point of water. Check out the phases of water for example at this website: http://snobear.colorado.edu/Markw/SnowHydr...ses/phases.html

The water content of the material is first frozen to change to state from liquid to solid state (ice). When the pressure is decreased to vaccuum and the temperature is increased at the same time, sublimation of the ice occurs (the ice sublimes to gas), thus drying the material without much damage.