I was planning to make GelMa foams using a desiccator instead of freeze dryer. I want to know is there problem for using desiccator instead of freeze dryer for drying samples? My sample is frozen GelMA.
Freeze drying immobilizes the structure of gel, then removes the water. The water is the support to hold it in place. If you slowly remove the water without freezing, then you will see collapse of the gel and get a film like result.