Exosomes are small extracellular vesicles secreted by cells that play crucial roles in intercellular communication and various physiological processes. Lyophilization is a service/method used to remove water from biological samples while preserving their structure and function. Exosome lyophilization refers to the process of freeze-drying exosomes for long-term preservation and storage.
During exosome lyophilization, samples are frozen and then subjected to a vacuum environment, causing the frozen water to sublimate directly from ice to vapor without passing through a liquid phase. This process helps to maintain the integrity and stability of exosomes by minimizing damage from ice crystal formation and enzymatic degradation. Lyophilized exosomes can be stored at low temperatures for extended periods, facilitating their transportation and long-term storage without significant loss of activity.
Proper lyophilization protocols are essential to ensure the preservation of exosome integrity and functionality, thereby maximizing their potential for various biomedical applications.