Freeze Dryer What is a lyophilizer?How does it work? Lyophilizer and freeze dryer are identical names for the same equipment. A lyophilizer executes a water removal process typically used to preserve perishable materials, to extend shelf life or make the material more convenient for transport. Lyophilizers work by freezing the material, then reducing the pressure and adding heat to allow the frozen water in the material to sublimate. APPLICATIONS · Food Processing. Meat, vegetables (especially watercress and spinach), and fish can be freeze-dried, while their taste and nutritional value are retained. ... Pharmaceuticals. ... Laboratory and Testing. ... Nutraceuticals Food Dehydration Lyophilized products retain their original properties. By adding water or other solvents they can be reconstituted easily and very quickly to a usable solution. For example the Proteins and many other products are presented as a freeze-dried powder in vials for reconstitution by the administering doctor or pharmacy. Commonly, water is used as solvent, but in some pharmaceutical applications alcohol is used to dissolve or disperse the product.  The freeze dryer itself is a sterile environment, protected by air-sterilizing vent filters.Vent filters also protect the exhaust, and prevent droplets or particles of active ingredients from being carried into the environment. There is a wide range of substances for which freeze drying/Lyophilization is used as conservation/preservation method without changing their composition. In the aseptic pharmaceutical and biotechnology production,  freeze drying/Lyophilization are often applied to the following products: