Telstar LyoQuest Benchtop Freeze Dryer

Overview

The Telstar LyoQuest Benchtop Freeze Dryer is a precision-engineered lyophilization system designed for research laboratories requiring reproducible, scalable, and fully controllable freeze-drying processes. Based on the fundamental principles of sublimation under vacuum—where ice transitions directly from solid to vapor without passing through the liquid phase—the LyoQuest enables primary drying of thermolabile biological samples, pharmaceutical formulations, and analytical standards while preserving structural integrity, activity, and stability. Its compact footprint integrates industrial-grade refrigeration architecture with laboratory-scale flexibility, supporting both bulk material processing and vial-based lyophilization across diverse sample formats. The system complies with core process requirements outlined in ICH Q5C, USP , and ISO 22059 for lyophilized product development, making it suitable for early-stage formulation studies, stability testing, and GLP-compliant method development.

Key Features

• Two cold trap temperature options: ≤ –55 °C (standard) or ≤ –85 °C (deep-cold), enabling efficient water vapor condensation for high-moisture or low-vapor-pressure samples.
• Dual compressor configurations: single-compressor design for LyoQuest base models; dual-compressor architecture for LyoQuest Plus variants—enhancing cooling capacity, thermal stability, and operational redundancy.
• Three-zone heated/cooled shelves with independent temperature control (range: ambient to +70 °C), supporting controlled freezing, annealing, and secondary drying steps per ICH Q5C guidelines.
• PLC-based touchscreen HMI with real-time visualization of chamber pressure, shelf temperature, cold trap temperature, and process alarms—enabling intuitive manual operation or pre-programmed cycle execution.
• Manual or automatic pressure regulation: LyoQuest models support manual valve adjustment; LyoQuest Plus variants integrate servo-controlled vacuum regulation for precise pressure ramping and endpoint detection.
• Integrated auto-defrost function with AISI 316L stainless steel cold trap—designed for rapid frost removal, minimal downtime, and corrosion resistance in aqueous and mildly acidic environments.
• Benchtop form factor (65–70 kg) with side-mounted vacuum pump interface and drain valve—optimizing lab space utilization and service accessibility.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The LyoQuest accommodates a broad spectrum of sample types and container formats via interchangeable chamber configurations. Standard cylindrical glass chambers support bulk powders, gels, and suspensions; 8-port and 40-port manifold variants enable parallel lyophilization of flasks (29/32 standard taper), ampoules (13 mm OD), and filtration vessels. Optional manual stoppering assemblies allow direct capping of serum vials and serum bottles under vacuum—critical for sterile processing simulation and moisture-sensitive formulations. All chamber components are constructed from borosilicate glass and electropolished 316L stainless steel, meeting USP Class VI biocompatibility requirements and facilitating cleaning validation per FDA 21 CFR Part 211. The system supports audit-trail-capable data logging when used with LyoLogger software, aligning with ALCOA+ data integrity principles and GMP Annex 11 expectations for electronic records.

Software & Data Management

LyoLogger is Telstar’s dedicated monitoring and data acquisition software for Windows-based PCs. It establishes bidirectional communication with the LyoQuest via RS-485 or Ethernet (optional), enabling remote parameter monitoring, real-time graphing of critical process variables, and export of timestamped CSV files compliant with 21 CFR Part 11 requirements—including user authentication, electronic signatures, and immutable audit trails. Users can define multi-step cycles with conditional logic (e.g., pressure hold upon reaching target shelf temperature), trigger alarms based on deviation thresholds, and generate PDF reports containing metadata, trend curves, and event logs. Data exports are structured for integration into LIMS or ELN platforms, supporting traceability from raw material input to final dried product characterization.

Applications

• Pre-formulation screening of protein therapeutics, vaccines, and monoclonal antibodies under varied freezing and drying conditions.
• Stability studies per ICH Q1A(R3), including accelerated and long-term storage assessments of lyophilized reference standards.
• Microbial culture preservation for strain banks and biobanking applications requiring high viability recovery post-reconstitution.
• Preparation of calibration standards for LC-MS, GC-MS, and elemental analysis—minimizing analyte degradation and matrix effects.
• Processing of natural extracts, botanicals, and diagnostic reagents where thermal sensitivity mandates low-temperature dehydration.
• Method development and transfer for GMP manufacturing, including cycle optimization, edge-of-failure mapping, and scalability assessment to pilot-scale units.

FAQ

What is the difference between LyoQuest and LyoQuest Plus?
LyоQuest models feature manual vacuum regulation and single-compressor cooling; LyoQuest Plus variants include automated pressure control, dual compressors, and enhanced thermal stability—optimized for higher reproducibility and complex cycle programming.

Can the LyoQuest be used for sterile processing?
While not a Class A isolator, the system supports aseptic techniques when paired with manual stoppering accessories and validated sterilization protocols for glassware and seals—commonly applied in non-GMP R&D and preclinical settings.

Is LyoLogger software validated for regulated environments?
LyoLogger provides configurable audit trails, role-based access, and electronic signature capability. Full 21 CFR Part 11 validation requires site-specific IQ/OQ/PQ documentation, which Telstar supplies as part of its validation support package.

What maintenance is required for the cold trap?
Regular defrosting is automated; periodic inspection of O-rings, shelf surface integrity, and vacuum seal performance is recommended every 6 months—or after 200 operating hours—to ensure consistent vacuum integrity and thermal transfer efficiency.

Are spare parts and technical support available globally?
Telstar maintains an international distributor network with certified service engineers and regional spare parts hubs. Lead times for critical components (compressors, PLC modules, sensors) typically range from 5–10 business days within EMEA and North America.