Because freeze drying itself imposes forces that can affect and alter the conformation of proteins and other biomolecules, OPS Diagnostics developed the mannitol-based
Lyophilization Reagent (2X) (Filter Sterilized)
Concentrate, which is a proprietary formulation that helps to simplify freeze drying. It is formulated from a combination of a lyoprotectant and a matrix excipient (or caking agent); these two components act synergistically to facilitate lyophilization and prevent any potential deleterious effects, like protein denaturation, caused by the sample preservation process. The unique formulation of this reagent allows for primary drying at relatively high temperatures (from -10 to -5°C), which helps to expedite lyophilization. It can be used at full strength or diluted 1:1 with samples prior to freeze drying.
To use this product, simply mix the clear Lyophilization Reagent (2X) Concentrate with an equal volume of sample, which should be prepared with a minimum amount of salt, and then freeze dry. Alternatively, one can use size exclusion chromatography to perform a buffer exchange on the sample to be freeze dried, followed by a lyophilization protocol after the exchange.
Lyophilization Reagent (2X) Concentrate is sterilized by filtration and is aseptically packaged in 500 ml PET bottles. Mixing the Lyophilization Reagent (2X) Concentrate with other buffers may require a reassessment of freeze drying parameters, including concentration of one’s sample.
For more information on lyophilization, please visit the following pages:
Lyophilization Reagents Shelf Life Study
Evaluation of Lyophilization Reagent Concentrate for the Preservation of LDH from Mouse Tissue Lysates
Bacteria Lyophilization Overview
Bacteria Freeze Drying Protocol
Related Literature
Freeze Drying Sales Sheet(pdf)
Lyophilization Reagent (2X) User Guide
Lyophilization Reagent (2X) MSDS
Citations
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Pas, S. D.; Patel, P.; Reusken, C.; Domingo, C.; Corman, V. M.; Drosten, C.; Dijkman, R.; Thiel, V.; Nowotny, N.; Koopmans, M. P. G.; et al. First International External Quality Assessment of Molecular Diagnostics for Mers-CoV. Journal of Clinical Virology 2015, 69, 81–85. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jcv.2015.05.022.
Stevens, G. B.; Silver, D. A.; Zgaga-Griesz, A.; Bessler, W. G.; Vashist, S. K.; Patel, P.; Achazi, K.; Strotmeier, J.; Worbs, S.; Dorner, M. B.; et al. Bioluminescence Assay for the Highly Sensitive Detection of Botulinum Neurotoxin A Activity. Analyst 2013, 138 (20), 6154–6162. https://doi.org/10.1039/C3AN00525A.
