Lyophilization is commonly used to preserve biological materials such as proteins, enzymes, vaccines, and other biomolecules including RNA. While lyophilization can be beneficial for long-term storage of RNA by removing water and preventing degradation from enzymatic activity, it can also potentially cause damage to RNA molecules if not performed properly.
To minimize RNA degradation during lyophilization, precautions can be taken. The main concern during lyophilization is the potential for RNA degradation due to physical stresses such as shear forces, as well as chemical changes induced by the process itself, such as pH shifts or oxidative damage. Additionally, the reconstitution process following lyophilization can also impact RNA integrity if not done carefully.
While lyophilization can be a useful method for preserving RNA, careful attention must be paid to the specific conditions and protocols used to minimize the risk of RNA degradation during the process.