What are the capabilities and benefits of fast freezing in RheaLyo systems?

Fast freezing is not always necessary. Nevertheless, the RheaLyo technology offers the possibility to tune the freezing step in a wide range from 0.5 – 100 K/min. Besides ice-liquid and ice-protein interaction, also the formation of ice crystals is important both in morphology (chimneys or chaotic) and size. With our tools we can provide many options.

In the RheaVita systems, the length of the crystallization phase is controlled via a closed feedback loop based on the temperature of the vials, hence controlling directly and generating the desired ice crystal structure. Moreover, compared to batch freeze-drying smaller ice crystals can be generated since the freezing rate is significantly faster (Lammens, Joris et al. “Spin Freezing and Its Impact on Pore Size, Tortuosity and Solid State.” Pharmaceutics vol. 13,12 2126. 9 Dec. 2021).

Some biologics need a controlled freezing rate which cannot be achieved with batch freeze-drying.