Exploration of Freeze‑drying Process Parameters for Biological Research Samples Using YUNTANG YT‑DG10 Vacuum Freeze Dryer

Vacuum freeze‑drying technology separates water from materials via sublimation under low‑temperature vacuum environment. Different from ordinary heating drying methods, it avoids thermal damage for heat‑sensitive substances, maintains sample porous structure, retains biological activity, and delivers excellent rehydration performance. It has been widely used in biomedicine, plant‑resource research, food‑ingredient study and catalyst‑preparation work. The YUNTANG YT‑DG10 laboratory vacuum freeze dryer integrates refrigeration system, vacuum system and intelligent control unit, designed for small‑batch laboratory sample freeze‑drying processing.

Its refrigeration system adopts imported hermetic compressor with environment‑friendly refrigerant. The cold trap can achieve working temperature lower than ‑60 ℃, and maximum water‑capturing capacity reaches 3 kg within 24 hours. The cold‑trap chamber uses 304 stainless‑steel inner wall, featuring anti‑corrosion property and convenient defrosting. It provides built‑in pre‑freezing function for samples. In many experimental scenarios, researchers do not need extra ultra‑low‑temperature refrigerator for pre‑freezing treatment, simplifying sample preparation workflow. For vacuum performance, the equipment realizes ultimate vacuum degree below 10 Pa under no‑load state. It is fitted with Pirani vacuum gauge and fine‑tuning vacuum ball valve. Operators can manually adjust vacuum level according to different sample characteristics. KF25 quick‑clamp connection guarantees sealing performance between vacuum pump and drying cavity. The transparent bell‑jar drying chamber enables experimenters to directly observe the whole sublimation drying process of samples. The effective freeze‑drying area is 0.19 m², equipped with 6 layers of material trays, and supports optional multi‑manifold accessories for lyophilization vials and ampoule bottles for expanded application scenarios.

The 7‑inch true‑color touch‑screen control system displays real‑time cold trap temperature, cavity vacuum value and total running time. All experimental data can be automatically saved and exported through USB flash drive for subsequent process analysis. The system is equipped with maintenance reminder function for compressors and vacuum pumps, reminding laboratory staff to replace lubricating oil and carry out routine inspection regularly. Password authority management prevents mis‑operation by untrained personnel. Multiple interlock protection mechanisms improve experimental safety: the vacuum pump will refuse to start if cold trap temperature fails to reach the set threshold, preventing sample boiling‑over and material loss. In actual laboratory trials, we tested plant tissue, microbial strains and biological reagent samples. By adjusting vacuum degree and drying duration, qualified dry products with complete appearance and good rehydration performance were obtained. YT‑DG10 is suitable for university laboratories and research institutes for exploratory freeze‑drying research of heat‑sensitive samples.