Research Library
Lyophilised research materials explained
What lyophilisation (freeze-drying) is and why many research materials are supplied as a dry powder.
What lyophilisation is
Lyophilisation, or freeze-drying, removes water from a frozen material under low pressure so that ice passes directly into vapour. The result is a dry solid, often visible as a powder or 'cake' at the bottom of a vial.
Why it is used
Removing water generally improves the stability of a material during storage and transport compared with a solution, which is why many research materials are supplied in this form.