What is lyophilises?

Lyophilization, also known as freeze-drying, is a process of drying materials, typically biological samples or pharmaceuticals, by removing all moisture and preserving the material in a dry, stable form that can be rehydrated when needed.

During lyophilization, the material is first frozen and then placed in a vacuum chamber. A low level of heat is applied to cause the frozen water in the material to sublimate, or convert directly from a solid to a gas, without passing through a liquid phase. The water vapor is then removed from the chamber, leaving behind a dry and stable material.

Lyophilization is commonly used to preserve bacterial and viral cultures, enzymes, and antibodies for long-term storage. It is also used in the production of pharmaceuticals, including vaccines, to ensure stability and extend shelf life.

The process of lyophilization can be time-consuming and expensive, but the resulting dry material has a longer shelf life and is easier to store and transport.