Yingtai: Applications of Vacuum Freeze-Drying Technology in Blood Product Lyophilization

Yingtai: Applications of Vacuum Freeze-Drying Technology in Blood Product Lyophilization

Freeze-drying technology originated in the 19th century and has found extensive applications in pharmaceuticals, biological products, food, blood products, and active substances since the 21st century. Particularly in the lyophilization of blood products, vacuum freeze-drying has demonstrated its unique advantages and value.

1. Changes Before and After Blood Lyophilization

In medical emergencies, the need for blood transfusions is inevitable. Considering the storage requirements and shelf life of blood, reviving blood products using conventional preservation methods is challenging. Moreover, storage-related degeneration and functional decline of blood products can negatively impact the body. The short shelf life and strict storage conditions make traditional blood products impractical in general environments. As the demand for blood products increases with population growth, so does the demand for improved blood preservation techniques. Freeze-dried blood products eliminate the need for freezing and extend shelf life. Many studies focus on developing freeze-dried blood products with the same efficacy as fresh blood products while ensuring their usability under harsh storage and transportation conditions. Key factors in the freeze-drying of red blood cells include determining high levels of methemoglobin, preserving metabolic pathways, and maintaining oxygen-carrying capacity. Extensive research has been conducted to optimize freezing and lyophilization temperatures to maintain metabolic pathways and prevent hemoglobin loss.

2. Advantages of Freeze-Drying Blood Products

The application of vacuum freeze-drying technology in the lyophilization of blood products offers significant advantages:

Firstly, freeze-drying technology can dramatically extend the shelf life of blood products. Compared to traditional storage methods, freeze-dried blood products can be preserved for several years, whereas traditional methods typically only last for months or weeks. This feature is crucial for ensuring timely and effective treatment for patients.

Secondly, the freeze-drying process occurs in a vacuum environment, which effectively prevents microbial and bacterial contamination, ensuring the safety of blood products. This is particularly important for diseases requiring biologically active components, as it ensures the effectiveness of the treatment.

Additionally, freeze-dried blood products have significantly reduced volume and weight, making them easier to transport and carry, and allowing for quick delivery to where they are needed. This not only improves transportation efficiency but also reduces costs.

When using freeze-drying technology for blood product processing, attention must be paid to equipment performance maintenance, temperature and humidity control, and adherence to operational procedures to ensure safety and effectiveness.