The use of DIN glass ampoules to freeze-dry biological materials with a low residual moisture and oxygen content.

A capillary device has been developed to enable biological materials to be freeze-dried from aqueous and non-aqueous solution in ampoules conforming to DIN 58377-B5-fl. This device reduced the absorption of atmospheric moisture by the material and the diffusion of oxygen into the ampoules awaiting sealing, by a factor of 13 and 7, respectively, over a 30 min period, respectively, compared to unprotected ampoules. The device has the advantage of being able to be assembled and fitted to the ampoules mechanically.