Elsevier Freeze-Drying of Pharmaceutical and Food Products (Woodhead Publishing Series in Food Science, Technology and Nutrition)

Freeze-drying is an important preservation technique for heat-sensitive pharmaceuticals and foods. Products are first frozen, then dried in a vacuum at low temperature by sublimation and desorption, rather than by the application of heat. The resulting items can be stored at room temperature for long periods. This informative text addresses both principles and practice in this area. The first chapter introduces freeze-drying. The authors then review the fundamentals of the technique, heat-mass transfer analyses, modelling of the drying process and the equipment employed. Further chapters focus on freeze-drying of food, freeze-drying of pharmaceuticals and the protective agents and additives applied. The final chapter covers the important subjects of disinfection, sterilization and process validation. Key Features: addresses the principles and practices used in this important preservation technique; explains the fundamentals of heat-mass transfer analysis, modelling and the equipment used; discusses the importance of disinfection, sterilization and process validation. Contents: Introduction; Fundamentals of freeze drying; Heat-mass transfer analyses and modeling for drying process; Equipment of freeze drying; Freeze drying of food; Protective agent and additives for freeze-drying of pharmaceutical products; Freeze drying of pharmaceuticals; Disinfection, sterilization and valiation in freeze drying.