Gefriertrocknung für Bio-Pharma

 

Market leading Swiss based supplier of parenteral solutions Schott has developed a completely unique coating for use with pharmaceutical applications. The surfaces of the vials that contain these hydrophobic layers are so homogeneous, for instance, that lyophilised (freeze-dried) substances are unable to adhere to the interior walls of these vials. This not only improves visual appearance, but also makes it easier for water to dissolve these substances. In the pharmaceuticals sector, lyophilisation is primarily used to extend the shelf life of highly sensitive ingredients - such as proteins - that are often produced biotechnologically. The vials are coated using Schott’s patented plasma impulse chemical vapour deposition technique. ‘Plasma coatings are opening up new dimensions in the pharmaceutical industry,’ says Schott product manager vials & coating Dr. Claudia Dietrich. ‘This is an important field for the future. Biomolecules are already being used today in over 50% of all product developments in the area of pharmaceutical therapy.’

During freeze-drying, a medication is dehydrated to leave behind a type of powder. As soon as this is to be put to use with patients, it is introduced to water once again and then dissolved. Products stored in vials that contain hydrophobic coating are preserved for longer. Their effectiveness remains stable and the highly effective and sensitive ingredients are better protected.

‘Such preparations are used in the treatment of cancer, for example – so the interests of both the pharmaceutical industry and patients alike are rather obvious,’ states Dr. Dietrich. ‘They are seeking to provide their precious and costly medications with the highest possible protection and ensure that they remain effective for as long as possible.’

With the pulsed plasma technique, several layers of silicon dioxide molecules are applied to the inside surfaces of the containers. The entire layer is only 100 - 200 nanometers thick and, therefore, has no effect on the dimensions of the pharmaceutical container. The coating that is applied as part of a validated and permanently inspected process, reduces the adsorption of radioactive diagnostic products and proteins and improves the chemical resistance and stability of the packaging material.