Controlled Crystallization During Freeze-Drying

By Hans de Waard, Niels Grasmeijer, Wouter L.J. Hinrichs, Thomas De Beer and Henderik W. Frijlink

The authors discuss the preparation of lipophilic drug nanocrystals by controlled crystallisation during freeze-drying (CCDF). In-line Raman spectroscopy was used to monitor the crystallisation of the drug during freeze-drying to elucidate how the size of the drug crystals could be controlled. A three-way nozzle was used to create a spray freeze-drying process suitable for large-scale production.