Freeze drying microscope aids Oxford biotech firm

A Lyostat2 freeze drying microscope was only recently installed at Oxford Biosensors and it is already showing impressive results

Oxford Biosensors was formed in 2000 based on novel technology from the University of Oxford.

It aims to create a new category in portable diagnostics for primary healthcare, by introducing low complexity devices suited for use by healthcare workers with minimal training required.

Freeze drying is a core aspect of its work, so Biopharma Technology was the obvious choice for support.

Oxford Biosensors both develops and manufactures its own products, and the Lyostat2 freeze drying microscope is able to rapidly produce data that can be fed back into both formulation research and cycle development.

Senior scientist Rick Wedge took delivery of the microscope in early December and has been using it ever since.

"The Lyostat has revolutionised our approach to both formulation and process development," he says.

"It not only gives data that is both easily decipherable and quantifiable but also saves valuable time that could be wasted using conventional freeze drying methods.

"An amazing piece of kit".

Typically, critical parameters of a formulation can be pinpointed in less than one hour, saving time and money over traditional trial-and-error techniques.

Lyostat2's specialist software features comprehensive image capture, data archiving and profile plotting capabilities.

A 21CFR11-compliant version is also available.

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