阅读说明：本技术 冻干容器填充固定装置、系统及使用方法 (Freeze-drying container filling and fixing device, system and using method ) 是由 纳撒尼尔·T·约翰逊 瑞兰·A·萨米特 丹尼斯·A·布里奇斯 丹尼斯·J·赫拉文卡 科斯塔斯 于 2020-03-11 设计创作，主要内容包括：提供了一种用于在冻干中使用的气体填充固定装置、相关的系统和方法。该气体填充固定装置包括机架、填充指示器和盖,使得机架和盖一起形成用于接纳柔性冻干容器的腔。该系统包括冻干容器、冻干机和气体填充固定装置,该气体填充固定装置包含机架、填充指示器和盖。该方法包括用于使用该系统对流体进行冻干的工艺步骤。(A gas-filled fixture, associated systems, and methods for use in lyophilization are provided. The gas-filled fixture includes a housing, a fill indicator, and a cover such that the housing and the cover together form a cavity for receiving a flexible lyophilization vessel. The system includes a lyophilization vessel, a lyophilizer, and a gas-filled fixture comprising a frame, a fill indicator, and a lid. The method includes process steps for lyophilizing a fluid using the system.)

1. A gas-filled fixture for use in lyophilization, the gas-filled fixture comprising:

a frame;

a fill indicator; and

a cover is arranged on the base plate, and the cover,

wherein the chassis and the lid together form a cavity configured to receive a flexible lyophilization container disposed in the cavity along a longitudinal axis of the cavity.

2. The fixture of claim 1, wherein the frame comprises Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS).

3. The fixture according to claim 1, wherein the fill indicator is a mechanical indicator.

4. The fixture according to claim 3, wherein the mechanical indicator is a linear indicator.

5. The fixture according to claim 4, wherein the linear indicator is configured to indicate a proper fill state and an overfill state using a plurality of colors.

6. The fixture according to claim 1, wherein the fill indicator comprises at least one sensor.

7. The fixture according to claim 6, wherein the at least one sensor is selected from the group consisting of an optical sensor, an inductive sensor, and a capacitive sensor.

8. The fixture of claim 1, wherein the cover is connected to the frame with at least one hinge.

9. The fixture according to claim 8, wherein the at least one hinge is a pivoting hinge.

10. The holding device of claim 1, further comprising a handle configured to mate with a lyophilization vessel.

11. A system for lyophilizing a fluid, the system comprising:

a freeze-drying container;

a freeze dryer; and

a gas-filled fixture, the fixture comprising:

a machine frame, a plurality of guide rails and a plurality of guide rails,

a fill indicator, and

and (7) a cover.

12. The system of claim 11, further comprising a lyophilization loading tray.

13. The fixture according to claim 11, wherein the fill indicator is a mechanical indicator.

14. The fixture according to claim 13, wherein the mechanical indicator is a linear indicator.

15. The fixture according to claim 14, wherein the linear indicator is configured to indicate a proper fill state and an overfill state using a plurality of colors.

16. A method for lyophilizing a fluid, the method comprising:

inputting a liquid into a flexible lyophilization container;

inputting a portion of the lyophilization vessel into a gas-filled fixture;

inputting a gas into the lyophilization vessel;

determining an appropriate gas fill volume based on an indication from a fill indicator of the gas filling fixture;

loading the lyophilization vessel into a lyophilizer; and

lyophilizing the fluid.

17. The method of claim 16, further comprising: the lyophilization containers are arranged on a lyophilization loading tray.

18. The method of claim 16, wherein the lyophilization container is a flexible multi-part lyophilization container comprising a gas permeable section and a gas impermeable section.

19. The method of claim 16, wherein inputting a liquid into the lyophilization vessel comprises: feeding the liquid into a non-gas permeable section of the container.

20. The method of claim 16, wherein the fill indicator is a linear indicator.

21. The method of claim 20, wherein the linear indicator is configured to indicate a proper fill state and an overfill state using a plurality of colors.

22. The method of claim 16, wherein said lyophilizing said fluid comprises the steps of:

freezing the liquid;

removing a stopper from the lyophilization vessel; and

heat energy and vacuum are applied.

23. The method of claim 16, further comprising: blocking the lyophilization vessel between the gas permeable section and the gas impermeable section.

24. The method of claim 16, further comprising: a portion of the lyophilization vessel is disposed on the lid of the fixture and mated with the handle.

Background

The present application relates to the lyophilization of complex fluids, such as human or animal blood or plasma. In particular, the present application describes a gas-filled fixture for preparing a flexible lyophilization container for use in a lyophilization process, including related systems and methods. The gas-filled fixture is a rigid housing configured to receive the flexible lyophilization container and provide a gas-filled indication to an operator. The system includes a gas-filled fixture, a lyophilization vessel, and a lyophilizer. The method involves including a gas-filled fixture during the lyophilization process.

Various methods are known for lyophilizing fluids. An example of such a method is described in U.S. application publication No. 2019/0106245 entitled "lyophilization container and method of using the same" by wemer et al. In the described method, a gas is added to a flexible lyophilization vessel containing a fluid to be lyophilized. To create a vapor space above the ice mass to be formed, gas is added to the flexible lyophilization vessel prior to the freezing step. The inclusion of a vapor space above the formed ice mass facilitates vapor flow throughout the sublimation and desorption processes.

Currently, simple and accurate means for inputting the correct gas volume into a flexible lyophilization vessel do not exist. Current gas filling processes are typically performed manually and are therefore considered cumbersome and inaccurate. This inaccuracy, in turn, may lead to inconsistencies in the batch lyophilization process. Accordingly, the present application describes improvements to current apparatus and techniques for performing a gas filling step in the lyophilization of a biological fluid, such as blood or a blood product.

While specific embodiments of the present application have been provided in view of the above considerations, the specific problems discussed herein should not be construed as limiting the applicability of the embodiments of the present disclosure in any way.

Disclosure of Invention

This summary is provided to introduce aspects of some embodiments of the present application in a simplified form and is not intended to include an exhaustive list of all critical or essential elements of the claimed invention nor is it intended to limit the scope of the claims.

In one aspect, embodiments provide a gas-filled fixation device for use in lyophilization. The gas-filled fixture includes a frame, a fill indicator, and a cover. The chassis and the cover together form a cavity configured to receive a flexible lyophilization vessel disposed in the cavity along a longitudinal axis of the cavity.

In another aspect, embodiments provide a system for lyophilizing a fluid. The system includes a lyophilization vessel, a lyophilizer, and a gas-filled fixture. The gas-filled fixture includes a frame, a fill indicator, and a cover.

In yet another aspect, embodiments provide a method for lyophilizing a fluid. The method comprises the following steps: the method includes the steps of inputting a liquid into a flexible lyophilization vessel, inputting a portion of the lyophilization vessel into a gas-filled fixture, inputting a gas into the lyophilization vessel, determining an appropriate gas-filled volume based on an indication from a fill indicator of the gas-filled fixture, loading the lyophilization vessel into a lyophilizer, and lyophilizing a fluid.

Further embodiments of the present application include additional methods, devices, and systems for lyophilizing a fluid. The fluid may be any suitable liquid, including human or animal plasma.

Drawings

Non-limiting and non-exhaustive embodiments are described with reference to the following drawings.

Fig. 1 is a schematic representation of a flexible multi-part lyophilization container according to the prior art;

fig. 2 is a schematic representation of a freeze dryer according to the prior art;

FIG. 3 is a plan view of a gas-filled fixture according to an embodiment of the present application;

FIGS. 4A-4C are front views of a gas-filled fixture according to an embodiment of the present application;

FIG. 5 is a side view of a gas-filled fixture according to an embodiment of the present application;

fig. 6 is a perspective view of a gas-filled fixture containing a flexible lyophilization vessel according to an embodiment of the present application;

fig. 7 is a diagram of a system for lyophilizing a fluid according to an embodiment of the present application; and

fig. 8 is a workflow diagram illustrating a lyophilization process according to an embodiment of the present application.

Detailed Description

A further understanding of the principles described herein may be realized by reference to the following detailed description and the embodiments illustrated in the drawings. Although specific features are illustrated and described below with respect to particular embodiments, this application is not limited to the specific features or embodiments provided. Furthermore, the following embodiments may be described in connection with the lyophilization of a biological fluid, such as blood or a blood component of a human or animal, however, such description is merely illustrative. One skilled in the art will appreciate that in many cases, embodiments of the present disclosure may be used in connection with determining the correct gas fill volume.

Embodiments of the present application relate generally to stand-alone fixtures used in the preparation of fluids to be lyophilized. More particularly, a gas-filled fixture is described that enables a flexible lyophilization container to be disposed therein and that provides an indication to an operator when an appropriate gas fill volume is reached in the flexible container.

Any suitable fluid for lyophilization and lyophilization, including biological fluids, such as human or animal blood or blood products, such as plasma, can be prepared using the devices and techniques described in this disclosure.

Various advantages of the enumerated embodiments are noted throughout this disclosure.

Fig. 1 is an illustration of a flexible multi-part lyophilization container according to the prior art.

Referring to fig. 1, a lyophilization vessel 100 includes a gas-impermeable section 102 comprising a port region 104, a gas-permeable section 106 comprising a gas-permeable membrane 108, and a blocking region 110.

In operation, the lyophilization vessel 100 exchanges fluid through a port positioned in the port area 104 of the gas-impermeable section 102. Fluid exchange occurs during initial filling of the container with liquid plasma and during filling of the container with sterile water for reconstitution and infusion into a patient after lyophilization. The non-breathable section 102 and the breathable section 106 are isolated from each other by a peelable seal or by forming a stopper of the container in a stopper region 110 that includes the transition between the non-breathable section 102 and the breathable section 106. In this regard, the blocking region (i.e., the location of the peelable seal and/or the blocking portion) 110 defines a boundary between the non-breathable section 102 and the breathable section 106.

Fig. 2 is a diagrammatic view of a freeze dryer according to the prior art.

Referring to fig. 2, a lyophilizer 200 includes a timing and temperature controller 202, and a hydraulic shelving system 204.

The lyophilizer shown in fig. 2 is a general illustration of a conventional lyophilizer suitable for use in connection with the embodiments of the present application. Typical components of a suitable conventional lyophilizer include timing and temperature controllers, refrigeration systems, vacuum systems, condensers, and chambers including hydraulic shelving systems capable of lyophilization and plugging.

Fig. 3 is a plan view of a gas-filled fixture according to an embodiment of the present application.

Referring to FIG. 3, a gas-filled fixture 300 includes a housing 302 including a platform 304, sidewalls 306, and a hinge 308, a cover 310, a fill indicator 312, and a handle 314.

The frame 302 includes a platform 304, sidewalls 306, and a hinge 308. A cover 310 is attached to the frame 302 by a hinge 308. Fill indicator 312 and handle 314 are attached to the bottom and top sides of cover 310, respectively.

The length and width of the frame 302 are denoted as "L" and "W", respectively. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 3, the length of the frame 302 is approximately 26cm and the width of the frame 302 is approximatelyIs 17 cm. As shown, by "L_L"indicates that the length of the cover 310 substantially corresponds to the length of the housing 302. By "W_L"indicates that the width of the cover 310 also substantially corresponds to the width of the housing 302.

In embodiments, the size and shape of the housing 302 or the cover 310, as well as their relationship to each other, are not limited. For example, the length of the rack 302 may be between 15cm and 50cm, such as between 25cm and 30cm, and the width of the rack may be between 10cm and 30cm, such as between 15cm and 20 cm. Similarly, the length of the cover 310 may be between 15cm and 50cm, such as between 25cm and 30cm, and the width of the cover 310 may be between 10cm and 30cm, such as between 15cm and 20 cm.

In the embodiment shown in fig. 3, the platform 304, sidewalls 306, and hinges 308 comprise a blend of Polycarbonate (PC) and Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS). PC/ABS is preferred for its toughness and impact resistance. The platform 304 is a solid piece of PC/ABS, while the sidewalls 306 and hinges 308 are injection molded and cored out using conventional techniques to reduce mass. The cover 310 is a clear thermoplastic (e.g., acrylic). Thermoplastics are preferred for their durability and low cost. Transparency enables the operator to visually inspect the lyophilization vessel throughout the gas filling process.

In the embodiment of fig. 3, the hinge 308 is a pivoting hinge type. Each hinge 308 includes a top hinge mount and a bottom hinge mount that are attached to the lid 310 and the platform 314, respectively. Each of the top hinge mount and the bottom hinge 308 mount includes a cup configured to receive a portion of a pin that forms a pivotal connection between the top hinge mount and the bottom hinge mount. Alternative embodiments are not limited and may include various conventional hinges, such as alternative pivot hinges, metal butt hinges, or mortise and tenon hinges. Fill indicator 312 is a mechanical gauge configured to provide the operator with a means to visually determine the correct gas fill volume for the input lyophilization vessel. The handle 314 is plastic and resembles a conventional cabinet door or drawer handle.

Various alternative materials may be used in the individual components of the gas-filled fixture 300. Any material selected should be resilient under repeated use conditions, including but not limited to plastics, metals, and metal alloys. In a preferred embodiment, the components of the fixation device are attached to each other by conventional screws; however, the components of the fixture may be attached or adhered to one another using any other conventional techniques, hardware, adhesives, and the like.

In various alternative embodiments, a bumper or similar tool may be positioned between the sidewall 306 and the cover 310 to absorb the impact of the cover 310 closing, thereby extending the life of the fixture 300. Such bumper embodiments may comprise any of a variety of materials, including but not limited to high density synthetic rubbers such as Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer (EPDM) rubber. The material selected for the bumper should be shock absorbing and durable.

Fig. 4A-4C are front views of gas-filled fixtures according to embodiments of the present application.

Referring to fig. 4A-4C, the gas filling fixture 400 includes a housing 402 including a platform 404, a sidewall 406, and a hinge 408, a lid 410, a fill indicator 416 including a first indicator section 414 and a second indicator section 416, and a handle 418.

Fig. 4A is an illustration of the filling fixture 400 in a closed state. Fig. 4B is an illustration of the filling fixture 400 indicating an appropriate filling state. Fig. 4C is an illustration of the fill fixture 400 indicating an overfill condition.

In the embodiment shown in fig. 4A-4C, the frame 402 is made up of a platform 404, sidewalls 406, and hinges 408 that together support a lid 410. The cavity of the fixation device formed within the assembled components is configured to receive a portion of a flexible lyophilization vessel to be filled with a gas along a longitudinal axis thereof.

As shown in FIG. 4A, the width of the rack 402, denoted by "W", is approximately 17 cm. The width of the side wall 406 and the width of the hinge are each about 1.5 cm. However, in embodiments, neither the width of the side walls 406 nor the width of the hinges 408 are limited and may be between.5 cm to 5cm, such as between 2cm to 4 cm. As shown, the width of the platform 404 corresponds to the width of the rack. However, in embodiments, the width of the platform 404 is not limited and may be between 10cm and 30cm, such as between 15cm and 20 cm. In yet another embodiment with a differently configured rack, the width of the platform 404 may not coincide with the width of the rack.

As shown in FIG. 4A, the overall height of the fixture 400, indicated by "H", is approximately 3.5 cm. However, in embodiments, the height of the fixation device is not limited and may be between 2cm and 8cm, for example between 3cm and 5 cm. The overall fixture height includes the thickness of the cover 410 and the thickness of the platform 404. As shown, each of the thickness of the cover 410 and the thickness of the platform 404 is approximately 0.5 cm. However, in embodiments, neither the thickness of the lid 410 nor the thickness of the platform 404 are limited and may be between 0.1cm and 1cm, such as between 0.3cm and 0.7 cm. The height of the side walls 406 and the height of the hinges 408 are each approximately 2.5 cm. However, in embodiments, neither the height of the side walls 406 nor the height of the hinges 408 is limited and may be between 1cm and 5cm, such as between 2cm and 3 cm.

By "H_C"means that the height of the lumen is about 2.5 cm. In an embodiment, the height of the lumen is not limited and may be between 2cm to 6cm, for example between 3cm to 5 cm. As shown in fig. 4, the height of the interior cavity coincides with the height of the side walls and the height of the hinge 408, however, in alternative embodiments including differently configured racks, the height of the interior cavity may not coincide with the height of the side walls 406 or the height of the hinge 408. By "W_C"indicates that the width of the lumen is about 14 cm. However, in embodiments, the width of the lumen is not limited and may be between 8cm and 20cm, for example between 12cm and 16 cm. Although not shown, the length of the lumen generally corresponds to the length of the holster, and in embodiments, the length of the lumen may vary accordingly. In embodiments, any dimension of the fixation devices, including their relationship to each otherAnd are not limited and may vary.

As described below and shown in fig. 4A-4C, fill indicator 412 is a vertically oriented linear indicator attached to the underside of lid 410. The fill indicator 412 may be considered a conventional threshold (go/no-go) gauge including a first indicator segment 414 indicating a proper fill state and a second indicator segment 416 indicating an overfill state. However, in alternative embodiments, the location and configuration of fill indicator 412 is not limited and may vary without departing from the scope of the present application.

Fig. 4A shows the filling fixture 400 in a closed position. That is, the cover 410 is abutted against the chassis 402 and the fill indicator 412 remains obscured from view behind the end portion of the sidewall 406. In the closed position, the fill indicator 412 does not indicate any fill status.

Fig. 4B is an illustration of the filling fixture 400 indicating an appropriate filling state. That is, the flexible lyophilization vessel has been disposed within the cavity of the fixture and filled with a gas. Thus, the cap 410 has been lifted and the first indicator section 414 of the filling indicator 412 has been exposed, which is configured to indicate that the lyophilization vessel has been filled with the desired amount of gas. In an exemplary embodiment, green is used to indicate an appropriate fill status. However, in alternative embodiments, the type of visual indicator used for the first indicator section is not limited and may be any suitable visual indicator, such as another color, a prominent texture, or the like.

Fig. 4C shows the filling fixture 400 in an overfilled state. That is, the flexible lyophilization vessel has been disposed within the cavity of the fixture and overfilled with gas. Thus, the lid 410 has been lifted beyond the proper filling state, and the second indicator section 416 of the filling indicator 412 is exposed, which is designed to indicate that the lyophilization vessel has been filled with an amount of gas in excess of the desired amount. In an exemplary embodiment, red is used to indicate an overfill condition. However, in alternative embodiments, the type of visual indicator used for the second indicator section is not limited, and any suitable visual indicator other than an indicator for an appropriate fill state may be used. For example, another color, a different texture, etc. may be used to indicate an overfill condition.

In an embodiment, the frame 402 may comprise components comprising different materials. For example, the platform 404 may comprise plastic while the sidewalls 406 and hinge 408 may comprise metal, or vice versa. In further embodiments, the platform 404 and the sidewall 406 may be formed as a single component. Various additional material choices and design combinations are within the scope of the present application and may be readily envisioned by one skilled in the art.

As shown in fig. 4A-4C, the handle 418 is similar to a conventional cabinet door or drawer pull. The handle 418 may be sized to enable an operator to manipulate the cover 410 with bare or gloved hands. The handle 418 is disposed at about the center of the cover 410, perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the cavity of the fixture 400. In this configuration, a portion of the flexible lyophilization container may be loaded into the cavity of the fixture along the longitudinal axis of the cavity of the fixture and the remainder of the flexible container folded over the edge of the lid 410 in a manner that enables the remainder of the flexible container to be secured in the void space of the handle 418 (see fig. 6). In such embodiments, specialized features, such as cutouts, notches, or any other suitable features may be incorporated into the flexible container to cooperate with the handle 418 to secure the container. The ability to secure the entire flexible container to the filling fixture 400 in this manner may simplify the process of obtaining the exact weight of the combined fixture and container prior to the filling process.

FIG. 5 is a side view of a gas-filled fixture according to an embodiment of the present application.

Referring to FIG. 5, a gas-filled fixture 500 includes a sidewall 502, a fill indicator 506, a cover 508, and a handle 510, the sidewall 502 including a cutout portion 504.

As shown, when the lid 508 is in the closed position, the fill indicator 506 rests adjacent a portion of the sidewall 502 and at a minimum distance from a portion of the sidewall 502. Maintaining a minimum distance between the fill indicator 506 and a portion of the sidewall 502 at a given fill state enables only one fill indication segment of the fill indicator 506 to be visible to an operator, thereby reducing the likelihood of operator error. Notably, the sidewall 502 includes a cutout portion 504 to reduce mass and cost.

In further embodiments, fill indicator 506 may be configured differently and may include various alternative or additional techniques. For example, the fill indicator 506 may be incorporated into one or more fixture components and may include one or more of a camera, sensor, light, or any other conventional electrical or mechanical device that provides a visual indication or performs visual or electronic monitoring or inspection of the gas filling process. The particular type of camera, sensor or light is not limited. For example, the included sensors may be selected from any one of optical sensors, inductive sensors, or capacitive sensors.

Fig. 6 is a perspective view of a gas-filled fixture housing a flexible lyophilization vessel according to an embodiment of the present application.

Referring to fig. 6, a gas-filled fixture 600 is shown housing a flexible multi-part lyophilization vessel 602.

As shown, the impermeable portion of the lyophilization vessel 602 has been loaded into the cavity of the fixture 600 and filled with a gas. Thus, the cover is shown as having been lifted from the chassis so that the fill indicator can extend upward and indicate the proper fill state. The portion of the lyophilization vessel 602 that includes the gas permeable membrane has been folded over the cover of the gas-filled fixture 600 and secured in the void space of the handle. Securing the lyophilization vessel 602 in the handle is accomplished by mating features of the lyophilization vessel 602 with complementary features of the handle of the securing device.

The filling fixture 600 assists the operator in creating the required vapor space in the lyophilization vessel 602 to reduce the amount of ice that "sticks" to the vessel material during and after the freezing step of lyophilization. The materials and design are selected to provide a vapor space in the lyophilization vessel 602 that allows a vessel pressure of between 0.3 pounds per square inch (Psi) and 1.0 pounds per square inch (Psi), such as 5 pounds per square inch (Psi) (approximately 26 mmHG).

Fig. 7 is an illustration of a system for lyophilizing a fluid according to an embodiment of the present application.

Referring to fig. 7, system 700 includes a gas-filled fixture 702, a lyophilization container 704, a lyophilization loading tray 706, and a lyophilizer 708.

In embodiments, system 700 may vary. For example, the system 700 may exclude the lyophilization loading tray 706 altogether. In other embodiments, system 700 may employ components that are differently configured than those shown. For example, the lyophilizer 708 may be used in conjunction with a freezer as a separate system component. Similarly, an optionally configured lyophilization vessel 704 may result in a differently configured system component that is within the scope of the present application and that may be readily envisioned by one of ordinary skill in the art. In yet another embodiment, various positioning and securing features may be incorporated into the system components to ensure that the lyophilization vessel is properly positioned and secured to each system component.

The exemplary workflow included below describes ways in which embodiments of gas-filled fixtures may be included in a lyophilization process.

Fig. 8 is a workflow diagram illustrating a lyophilization process according to an embodiment of the present application.

Referring to fig. 8, in step 802, a target fluid (e.g., plasma) is input into a gas-impermeable section of a flexible lyophilization container. In step 804, the gas-impermeable section of the lyophilization vessel is loaded into a gas-filled fixture. In step 806, gas is input into the gas impermeable section of the flexible lyophilization container. In step 808, an appropriate gas fill volume is determined based on an appropriate fill indication from a fill indicator of the gas filling fixture. In this step, the gas is preferably nitrogen, however, an alternative gas, such as air, another inert gas or a pH adjusting gas, such as CO, may be introduced₂. In step 810, the lyophilized container is optionally attached to a loading tray or other loading device. In step 812, the lyophilization vessel is loaded into a lyophilizer. In step 814, the container is lyophilizedThe fluid in the vessel is frozen, creating a thin, uniform thickness ice structure in the air impermeable section. In step 816, the stopper is removed from the lyophilization container such that a channel can exist between the gas-impermeable section of the lyophilization container and the gas-permeable section of the lyophilization container. In this step, removing the obstruction may include, for example, opening a peelable seal or releasing a mechanical clamp. In step 818, vacuum and thermal energy are applied to effect sublimation and desorption, resulting in a direct phase change of the ice structure from a solid phase to a vapor phase. The vapor released from the ice structure flows through the cavity of the lyophilization container through the resulting channel and escapes through the gas permeable section of the lyophilization container, leaving a pellet of lyophilized plasma in the gas impermeable section. In step 820, the lyophilization vessel is optionally backfilled with an inert gas to raise the pressure of the lyophilization vessel to a partial atmospheric pressure. In step 822, the lyophilization vessel is blocked, separating the gas-impermeable section from the gas-permeable section to prevent contamination of the lyophilizate. In step 824, optionally, a permanent seam is created in the gas impermeable material of the lyophilization vessel. In step 826, optionally, the lyophilization vessel is separated at the permanent seam, leaving the lyophilized end product in the gas-impermeable section.

While various specific embodiments have been set forth in the disclosure, those skilled in the art will appreciate that various modifications and optimizations may be implemented for specific applications without departing from the scope of the present application. For example, in an alternative embodiment, the filling fixture may be adapted to simultaneously fill a plurality of lyophilization containers. Also, the holding device may be configured to accommodate the unique size of any particular lyophilization vessel. In yet another embodiment, the gas-filled holding device and other system components may include tabs, pins, clips, or any other conventional attachment devices configured to hold the lyophilization vessel in place. In addition, the present application is not limited to the lyophilization of blood or blood products. That is, the principles of the present application may be applied to the lyophilization of many fluids. Thus, various modifications and changes may be made in the arrangement, operation and details of the methods and systems of the present application, as will be apparent to those skilled in the art.