I am a new technician in the laboratory, there is a freeze-drier (lyophilization machine) that recently has been repaired. I am told to lyophilize the researcher's stock cultures to preserve them, I want to ask how to determine the duration and set value of certain steps.
Below are the details of the pre-set tools/set value:
- Machine: Christ Alpha 1-2 LDPlus (freezer is on, vacuum control pump is on, without manifold)
- Freezing Temperature: 55oC
- Vial/Ampule: Round Bottom, 10ml straight neck
- Lyophilization medium: traditional Skim Milk + Sucrose
With that information, I want to ask:
- How many ml should I put into the vials? (5/7.5/full 10ml)
- Should I put freezing countermeasures (dry ice/liquid nitrogen/etc.) to make the medium stay frozen?
- What is the best temperature/pressure to set in the main drying phase?
- according to the volume inserted, how long is the main drying phase go?
- should I proceed to the final drying phase?
- When should the vacuum pump be warmed?
Thank you so much for reading & answering this question.
Dear Bhismo Srenggoro Kuntonugroho, attached are different operating Manuals for the type of FD you are using. One remak about the temperature, it is -55°C I think. My Regards
Here I attached the manual so that you will help to find your exact answer
Dear Bishmo,
freeze your half full samples for at least 2h at -80°C in a freezer. If possible slightly slanted to increase the surface area. Use the freeze option of the lyophilisator to bring the machine to -55°C, after that switch over to warm-up to bring the pump on temperature (if available). When the warm-up is finished, bring in the samples and start the main drying process (0.1 mbar, infinite time) until all liquid is completely sublimated (overnight). The final drying is optinally. Stop the machine afterwards, defrost the cooling spiral and clean it properly for the next use.
Good luck
Michael
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