Support system for flexible lyophilization containers
View Patent ↗A suitable container for plasma lyophilization has been designed for lyophilization (lyo-bag), storage, reconstitution and administering of blood products. A rigid support frame for use with a lyo-bag with sidewalls was designed as an external removable supportive system, which provides the necessary stability for the flexible container during lyophilization. A removable bottom wall support sheet was designed for use with any flexible container for lyophilization.
1. A method of providing adequate support to a flexible lyophilization container during the process of lyophilizing a biological solution in the flexible lyophilization container, the method comprising:
providing a flexible lyophilization container having a top flexible membrane and an inwardly directed plastic strip to which the top flexible membrane is attached, said inwardly directed plastic strip attached to a top edge of the flexible lyophilization container and directed inwardly towards the container;
removing the top flexible membrane along with the inwardly directed plastic strip; attaching a plastic strip directed outwardly away from the container to the top edge of the flexible lyophilization container to serve as a platform for a replacement top flexible membrane;
affixing a replacement top flexible membrane to the top edge of the flexible lyophilization container;
affixing a bottom wall of the lyophilization container to a support sheet; and
placing the support sheet on a tray.
2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the replacement top flexible membrane is expanded polytetrafluoroethylene or non-woven spunbonded olefin membrane.
3. The method of claim 1 , wherein the support sheet is magnetic.
4. The method of claim 1 , wherein the affixing of a replacement top flexible membrane is achieved with double-sided tape.
5. The method of claim 4 , wherein the double-sided tape is thermally conductive.
6. The method of claim 1 , wherein the affixing of the bottom wall is achieved with double sided tape.