Probing dynamic processes in freeze-drying in-situ
| Reference number | |
| Coordinator | RISE Research Institutes of Sweden AB - Bioscience and Materials / Surface, Process and Formulation |
| Funding from Vinnova | SEK 370 285 |
| Project duration | February 2020 - November 2021 |
| Status | Completed |
| Venture | Research infrastructure - utilisation and collaboration |
| Call | Industrial pilot projects for the utilisation of neutron and photon based techniques at large-scale infrastructures - Autumn 2019 |
| End-of-project report | 2019-05295_BioGaia.pdf (pdf, 602 kB) |
Important results from the project
To study dynamic processes during freeze-drying of probiotic lactobacilli. If and where residual water is located after freeze-drying and how this water moves when the molecular mobility increases during storage were of special interest. We also wanted to look at the spatial distribution of the bacteria in the freeze-concentrated matrix, and how this distribution can be altered by the nature of the drying protectants used, also over time (when drying and ageing). BioGaia´s goal for is an optimized freeze-drying process through increased understanding of the governing factors.
Expected long term effects
New experimental set-ups aimed at improving the processes that BioGaia utilizes were investigated and have provide the basis for furthers studies now being planned. This work involved research with neutron experiments at large-scale research infrastructure. This work can also generate collaborative ideas in the near future for the experts at Uppsala University and RISE to present for other industry partners to engage them in scientific studies related to freeze-drying of biological or other soft materials.
Approach and implementation
We used ultra-small angle neutron scattering technique (USANS) in combination with imaging at ISIS Neutron and Muon Source, England, and at the NIST Center for Neutron Research, USA to solve problems related to freeze-drying. We had allocated beam time through a competitive proposal. We foresee in the future to test parameters such as temperature, pressure and drying rate for industrially relevant processes with further developed experimental design. Deliverables: design of sample environment for in situ freeze-drying experiments, neutron measurements and compiled results.