Patent Publication Number: US-2023144596-A1

Title: Method and apparatus for handling and processing of material and devices for freeze-drying

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S) 
     This application claims priority to U.S. Patent Application No. 63/276,258, filed Nov. 5, 2021, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     Various technologies exist for freeze drying certain items, including items that require a sterile environment. An open tray (or container) freeze drying method exists for freeze-drying applications not using vials (i.e., for holding and processing the product to be dried). Processing materials in freeze drying applications using open trays or containers can be fraught with issues including, but not limited to: spillage of materials or product during filling and transfer, exposure of the operator to the product or materials, exposure of the materials to unfavorable conditions potentially compromising the product, potential cross contamination between batches, potential compromised sterility and product contamination including particles and foreign matter, fly-out of material inside the freeze-dryer which reduces yields, requires cleaning, and enables cross-contamination, and/or a need to remove and transfer the material to another container for storage. 
     Some products or materials may degrade in the presence of oxygen, thus reducing the efficacy, potency, and usefulness of the material. These materials must therefore be filled, stored, and transferred in environmental controlled rooms, such as anerobic rooms, and the operators need to be gowned in protective clothing and apparatus. The technology described herein can eliminate the need for an entire controlled room and reduce loading (e.g., of products or materials) to a simple hood or isolator, as one non-limiting example. A few examples of products that are freeze-dried in a manner that would benefit from this method and apparatus include liquids, powders, frozen spheres, collogen, scaffolds, tissue, diagnostic kits, reagents, microbiome material, probiotics, etc. 
     Many freeze-drying applications require a large amount of liquid to be processed. When adding liquid to the trays/containers remotely, transfer of the liquid filled tray is difficult without spillage and exposes the operator to the material while exposing the liquid to the environment. The current common practice is to fill open freeze-drying trays or containers with a liquid remotely from the freeze-dryer and then the liquid filled trays are transferred by hand or cart to the freeze-dryer where the trays/containers are placed into the freeze-dryer. 
     To eliminate the difficulties of transferring open trays filled with liquid, the trays can be filled after being placed on the freeze-dryer shelf. To do so, the empty tray is partially slid off the front of the shelf and liquid is poured in. It is difficult to add the liquid due to minimal spacing between the freeze dryer shelves, filling the trays at different heights (shelves are located at different heights), and the need to balance the tray while adding the liquid. The operator is still exposed to the product and the product is still exposed to the environment. 
     Open trays also expose the product to the potential for particulate cross-contamination while inside the freeze-dryer. To eliminate this issue the freeze-dryer needs to be equipped with clean-in-place capability and sometimes steam sterilization. Both solutions add significant complexity to the equipment and significant cost. 
     After freeze-drying, when removing the trays/containers, the material often needs to be quickly removed and placed in other containers for storage to prevent rehydration, contamination, and exposure to the environment and to the operator. Transferring the material to another container adds more potential for loss of material and contamination and operator exposure. Some products degrade in the presence of oxygen. To overcome the issue of exposure to oxygen, the product needs to be processed in an anerobic isolator that is attached to the freeze-dryer. This solution adds significant complexity and cost. 
     Certain commercial products exist that allow for freeze drying using trays. One example freeze-drying tray includes a single-use bulk lyophilization container. These single-use, disposable trays minimize product ejection to reduce operator exposure to active pharmaceutical ingredient(s) (API) and eliminate tray cleaning and validation costs. Such trays are fully enclosed, single-use, disposable containers that use expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) membrane technology to contain and protect liquid or lyophilized API during the entire freeze-drying process. 
     These trays offers a solution for liquid material bulk freeze-drying applications. In particular, the tray offers a container with a membrane to enable freeze-drying processing. However, the tray cannot be sealed from the environment and cannot be used for many bulk applications including devices, scaffolds, tissues, etc. The limits and drawbacks of these trays include, but are not limited to: no ability to seal the product from the environment (e.g., the container cannot be hermetically sealed), potential spillage through the membrane, difficultly of filling through a limited size port, limited to liquid products, single use (i.e., high cost of the container per batch, not environmentally friendly), potential particulate contamination of the product when the membrane is pierced to remove the product from the container, the container cannot be used for devices or products that require mechanical support, no visibility of the product, and/or fill port adds to the height of the tray, thus requiring more shelf spacing. 
     Another brand of freeze-drying technology exists that offers solutions for bulk processing consisting of trays or containers with filter membranes. Such trays for sterile freeze-drying are available in two materials: aluminum and stainless steel. All components of the trays, including the membrane, can be sterilized in an autoclave. APIs can be produced aseptically in compliance with GMP. The trays in stainless steel are customizable in size and can be adjusted to the dimensions of individual freeze-dryer shelves. The trays can also be equipped with fillers and mounts for temperature sensors. 
     While these trays offers various advantages, some of the drawbacks of such trays include, but are not limited to: no ability to fully seal the product from the environment (e.g., containers are not hermetically sealable), potential spillage through the membrane, reduces but does not eliminate dust exposure, reduces but does not eliminate occupational exposure, inconvenient method of attaching membrane to the tray, no method for sealing and storing pre-freeze-drying, requires a controlled environment throughout the filling, loading, and unloading process, and/or requires transfer to another container for long-term storage post-freeze-drying. Thus, it should be appreciated that new and useful solutions are continually sought after. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The detailed description is set forth with reference to the accompanying figures: 
         FIG.  1    shows an example tray assembly  100  for use in a freeze-drying process; 
         FIG.  2    shows a non-limiting example tray assembly  100 ; 
         FIG.  3    shows a non-limiting example diagram of a partial side view of tray assembly  100 ; and 
         FIG.  4    shows a non-limiting example diagram of tray assembly  200 . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLE NON-LIMITING EMBODIMENTS OF THE TECHNOLOGY 
     The technology described herein is directed to a freeze-drying method, apparatus, and system that improves upon drawbacks of the conventional technology. In particular, a novel apparatus and method is described that overcomes the issues of open trays and other existing products and processes offered to the market for bulk material freeze-drying. The apparatus described herein includes a reusable sealable container enabling aseptic handling of bulk processed materials. It should be appreciated that the sealable container can include hermetic sealing (e.g., airtight, watertight, vacuum sealable, etc.). The multi-use tray enables a sterile sealable enclosure for use throughout the freeze-drying process, including: pre-freeze-drying (e g, filling, handling, storage, transfer), freeze-drying processing, and/or post-freeze-drying (e g, handling and storage). 
     The technology described herein relates to a method and apparatus that enables liquids, powders, devices, and other materials that are to be freeze-dried to be filled or loaded into a reusable, sealable container for handling and storage. The container can be filled or loaded in an aseptic hood or isolator or in an aseptic environment. After filling or loading, the container is sealed and can be handled and stored in a fashion to keep the product from being contaminated and/or from oxygen/air which may degrade the material and eliminates exposure to the operator. 
     The container can then be stored until ready for freeze-drying. The container can then be transferred to the freeze-dryer where the seal can be either manually opened prior to processing in a clean or aseptic environment; or automatically opened inside the freeze-dryer, using either differential of pressure or by mechanical means (or both). 
     At the end of the freeze-drying process, while still inside the freeze-dryer, the container can be sealed under low pressure and with an inert gas. The container lid can be closed and sealed using the freeze-dryer stoppering system (e.g., while there is a slight negative pressure in the product chamber). Sealing can take place after the product chamber is backfilled with inert gas. As the freeze-dryer product chamber vacuum is released, the vacuum inside the container holds the lid in place. For additional safety, a mechanical means of holding the lid in place, such as a ‘push-to-close’ latch may be used. 
     The sealed tray can have slight negative pressure with either air or inert gas or can be sealed at atmospheric pressure if mechanical means is supplied. After the containers are sealed, the freeze-dryer product chamber is opened, and the trays are removed. The trays are sealed thereby maintaining an aseptic and particle free environment and eliminating operator exposure to the product. 
     The container design and method of use enables long term storage before and after freeze drying, particulate free freeze-drying when a filter is included, and prevents operator exposure to the product. To add a level of safety, mechanical fasteners can be installed by the operator to ensure seal integrity for even longer storage durations. The containers are cleanable and reusable and can be designed to be sterilizable between uses. 
     For further protection a filter membrane may be included between the lid and container to enable freeze-drying without loss of product particulates. This novel design eliminates the need for the entire room to be environmentally controlled. For filling, a hood or small isolator can be used. For loading into the freeze-dryer, the container remains sealed and therefore no special environmental control or clean room is required. 
     Handling, storing, and processing liquids, powders, devices, and other configurations and materials to be freeze-dried include, but are not limited to: Polypeptides, Oligonucleotides, APIs, highly potent and dangerous to exposure materials, microbiome materials, collagen and scaffold materials, diagnostic kits and reagents, medical devices, any materials that require aseptic handling, any product or material that needs to be contained in a controlled atmosphere post-freeze-drying, any product or material where the operator needs to be protected from exposure, such as cytotoxic materials, and/or any products or materials that may require long term storage prior to freeze-drying. 
     The described apparatus enables bulk products and devices to be loaded and sealed thereby protecting the materials inside from contaminates and other undesirable factors such as oxygen rich environments, with or without the use of a filter. The container and components may be made from sterilizable materials and sterilized using conventional and accepted methods such as an autoclave, vaporized hydrogen peroxide, or other methods. Reusable, sterilizable, sealable containers dramatically improve the process and eliminates the need for large clean room or processing environments and simplifies the design of the freeze-dryer by eliminating the need for sterilization of the freeze-dryer. 
     The technology described herein offers various features and advantages including, but not limited to: ability to seal the tray outside of the freeze-dryer (e.g., by vacuum, pressure differential; by mechanical means that include (but are not limited to) fasteners, push to close/open latches, clamps, and/or other means), storage and transfer of liquid and powder material in a sealable container (e.g., hermetic sealing, either mechanically or by vacuum or both, enables long-term storage for process sensitive products), protect the product from contamination or exposure to unfavorable conditions (e.g., the product can be placed in the tray in a clean environment and sealed until the tray is either moved to another clean environment or after it is placed in the freeze dryer where it can be automatically opened), protect the operator from exposure to the product by filing in an isolated hood and then sealing for transfer, and/or eliminate cross contamination inside the freeze-dryer by only opening when the system is under vacuum. 
     Certain advantages of the container include, but are not limited to: container can be made in varying sizes and shapes to accommodate a range of materials and products, such as tissue, diagnostic kits, medical devices, etc., container is cleanable and reusable, container can be made with sterilizable materials, container includes one or more ports with valves for vacuum and liquid fill, container contains a method for visually verifying vacuum seal integrity, and/or container lid can be made to provide visibility to the product (e.g., transparent materials, metal or plastic with sight glass). 
     The technology allows an inert hydrophobic membrane, such as ePTFE membranes, to be added between the lid and tray to further reduce issues with cross contamination and particulate loss during the freeze-drying process (the filter can either be a large surface area membrane that covers the entire tray, or a perimeter membrane placed on the perimeter mounted in the gap between the lid and the tray). Moreover, a vacuum release mechanism can be provided for quickly releasing vacuum, and a backup vacuum release port can be included should the master vacuum release mechanism fail. 
       FIG.  1    shows an example tray assembly  100  for use in a freeze-drying process. The system (including tray assembly  100 ) is designed for filling or loading of product, sealing for contamination prevention and operator protection, handling and transfer to/from the freeze-drying, and/or long term storage before and after the freeze-drying process. The system is also configured to freeze-dry the product which includes low pressures and low temperatures as well as high temperatures, and the system has the ability to be reused, cleaned and sterilized. 
     The tray assembly  100  can include various components for performing certain freeze-drying processes described herein. For example, tray assembly  100  can include a tray (or container)  101  for holding various items. In one example, tray  101  can be made in any shape or size, and can be made from either metal or plastic that can hold a material or device(s). The tray bottom can be in intimate contact with a freeze dryer shelf, and the tray  101  can be treated or coated with non-stick or other coatings as the application requires. 
     Tray assembly  100  can further include a lid  102  used to cover tray  101 . In one example embodiment, the lid  102  can be made from either metal or plastic and can contain a view port for product visibility. The lid  102  can be designed to maintain a low-pressure seal and can be latched or fastened into place. Tray assembly  100  can further include fasteners  103  (e.g., for long term storage). Fasteners  103  can be used to maintain the lid seal when the tray system is in long term storage. Fasteners  103  can include mechanical means (e.g., screws) and can be removed prior to placing the tray system in the freeze-dryer. It should be appreciated that the lid may be made from any material including, but not limited to, metal, glass plastic, and any other solid or semi-solid material. In one example embodiment, the lid may be made from borosilicate glass. 
     Tray assembly  100  can also include a seal (or gasket)  104  for helping to seal the material contained in tray  101 . Seal  104  can be made from pharmaceutical grade materials that can withstand the environmental conditions associated with freeze-drying. The seal  104  can be in the form of an o-ring, sheet material, molded or extruded material, inflatable, or any other method used for sealing between two surfaces. 
     Tray assembly  100  can further include a filter  105  used to filter out certain elements while keeping other elements in tray  101 . For example, filter  105  can be used to minimize particle loss during the freeze-drying process. That is, filter  105  may be used to prevent a powder from escaping tray  101  during a freeze-drying process. 
     Tray assembly  100  can also include a lid lifting mechanism  106  for enabling the lid to lift from the tray thereby “opening” the tray assembly  100 . Lid lifting mechanism  106  can include a mechanism that raises the lid and keeps it separated from the tray to enable filling and freeze-drying. This mechanism  106  enables the lid to be automatically raised for freeze-drying while inside the freeze-dryer when the pressure inside is greater than the pressure in the freeze-dryer product chamber. 
     Tray assembly  100  can further include a mechanical latch  107  for allowing lid  102  to latch to tray  101 . Mechanical latch  107 , in one non-limiting example, allows for a method for maintaining the lid seal without a vacuum for secondary protection of the product when being stored or transferred. 
     As discussed herein, tray assembly  100  can include items that may be placed in a vacuum (e.g., for freeze-drying) and thus tray assembly  100  includes several components for providing such a vacuum. For example, tray assembly  100  can include a vacuum (or liquid fill) ports (or valves)  108   a  and  108   b . In one example embodiment, tray assembly may include only one vacuum port (e.g., vacuum port  108   a ), and can further include more than two vacuum ports. Vacuum (or fill) ports  108   a  and  108   b  can be provided on the tray  101  or lid  102  and can include a valve and/or check valve to enable liquid to be pumped or pulled into the tray, and a vacuum/gas backfill source can be attached to provide a method of sealing the lid with an inert gas atmosphere inside the container. 
     It should be appreciated that, in one non-limiting example, tray assembly  100  may include a vacuum port  108   a  and a fill port  108   b . In particular, vacuum port  108   a  may be used to apply a vacuum to tray assembly  100  while fill port  108   b  may be used to fill an item (e.g., liquid) into tray  101 . In such a configuration, vacuum port  108   a  may need to be positioned above a liquid in tray  101  where fill port  108   b  may be positioned below the liquid in tray  101 . 
     Tray assembly  100  can further include vacuum indicator  109  and backup vacuum release  110 . Vacuum indicator  109  can be used to indicate whether a vacuum exists inside tray assembly  100 . For example, vacuum indicator  109  can include a “pop disk” vacuum indicator to allow the operator to visually verify that the container is vacuum sealed. When the tray assembly  100  is vacuum sealed, vacuum indicator  109  may be “popped closed” to indicate that the tray assembly  100  is under vacuum. Vacuum indicator  109  may be “popped open” when the vacuum is released. For example, an operator may use backup vacuum release  110  to release the vacuum from tray assembly  100 . Backup vacuum release  110  can thus provide a method to release the vacuum that requires operator intervention (e.g., should the vacuum port valves fail). The vacuum can be released under any variety of methods, including release via the vacuum ports  108   a  and  108   b.    
     These examples of tray assembly  100  shown in  FIG.  1    are of course non-limiting and the technology described herein envisions any variety of modifications to achieve the described features. For example, tray assembly  100  can include an optional filter bag where the entire tray assembly  100  can be placed inside a bacteria-proof container with a vapor permeable membrane bag for storage and handling before being placed in the freeze-dryer (and for processing inside the freeze-dryer and for handling and storage after freeze-drying). Tray assembly  100  may further include an optional perimeter filter (as discussed with respect to  FIG.  2   ). 
     It should be appreciated that tray assembly  100  may be used within a closure system (e.g., for storing and maintaining items in the tray assembly  100 ). In one example embodiment, the lid may be placed onto the tray assembly  100 , and assembly  100  can be loaded into a closure system. The closure system may use mechanical stoppers to press the lid onto the tray assembly  100  and seal the assembly. Vacuum ports  108   a/b  can be used to generate a vacuum within the tray assembly  100  keeping the lid in place after the mechanical stoppers are removed. 
     The tray assembly  100 , after sealing, can be stored/loaded into a freeze dryer, and the freeze dryer door can be closed and sealed under vacuum to initiate freeze drying. Once freezing is complete, the system can move to a primary drying phase where the pressure in the chamber drops below the pressure in the tray assembly  100 , and the lid may open (e.g., for sublimation to occur). After primary (and/or secondary) drying is complete, the system can re-seal the tray assembly  100  using a stoppering mechanism by sealing the lid to the tray assembly  100 . The vacuum in the chamber may be released and the tray assembly  100  will stay sealed. This example is of course non-limiting and the technology described herein envisions any variety of use for tray assembly  100 . 
       FIG.  2    shows a non-limiting example tray assembly  100 . The tray assembly  100  shown in  FIG.  2    may include features substantially corresponding to tray assembly  100  in  FIG.  1   . Tray assembly  100  shown in  FIG.  2    also includes a perimeter filter  111  used to prevent particulate loss (similar to filter  105  shown in  FIG.  1   ). In one non-limiting example, tray assembly  100  may include an optional perimeter filter  111  that can be placed on the perimeter of the tray assembly  100  between the lid  102  and the tray  101  to prevent particulate loss during the freeze-drying process. For example, perimeter filter  111  may be used to prevent a powder from escaping tray  101  during a freeze-drying process. Another method that could be employed includes a filter cap that fits over lid  102  and attaches to tray  101  (e.g., covering the gap similar to a “hair net”). 
       FIG.  3    shows a non-limiting example diagram of a partial side view of tray assembly  100 .  FIG.  3    specifically depicts mechanical latch  107  of tray assembly  100  where mechanical latch  107  is in operation. In the example shown in  FIG.  3   , tray assembly  100  is in the “closed” position where lid  102  is in contact with (or substantially in contact with) tray  101 , and any items held by tray  101  are no longer exposed to an outside environment. 
     As can be seen in  FIG.  3   , mechanical latch  107  has an oblong shape where a bottom portion  107   a  of latch  107  is slightly larger in width than a top portion  107   b  of latch  107 . Latch  107  may also include a connection portion  107   c  that connects latch  107  to tray assembly  100 . Connection portion  107   c  could include any device or material to connect latch  107  to tray assembly  100  that includes any type of fastener (e.g., screw) or adhesive. Connection portion  107   c  may enable latch  107  to change position in operation so latch  107  can “release” lid  102  from tray  101  to allow tray assembly  100  to be in an “open” configuration. 
     Latch  107  may be in operation with locking portion  107   d . Locking portion may include a component to move locking portion  107   d  to/from a position making contact with latch  107 . For example, locking portion  107   d  could include a spring allowing locking portion to move back and forth to release or secure latch  107 . Locking portion  107   d  may further include a component that makes contact with latch  107  to secure latch  107  in place while tray assembly  100  is in a “closed” state. For example, locking portion  107   d  may include another latch portion to abut latch  107  and keep latch  107  secure while tray assembly  100  is in a “closed” state. These examples are of course non-limiting and the technology described herein envisions any variety of mechanisms for allowing tray assembly  100  to be in an “open” or “closed” state. 
       FIG.  4    shows a non-limiting example diagram of tray assembly  200 . In one non-limiting example,  FIG.  4    shows an exploded view of an alternate tray assembly  200  (that includes a filter and device carrier). In the example shown in  FIG.  4   , tray assembly  200  contains several features similarly found with respect to tray assembly  100 . Tray assembly  100  is shown with a substantially rectangular shape, where tray assembly  200  has a substantially circular configuration. Moreover, and as discussed herein, tray assembly  200  is shown with a device holder used to hold one or more device (e.g., vials). Tray assembly  200  is configured for filling or loading of product, sealing for contamination prevention and operator protection, handling and transfer to/from the freeze-drying, and/or long term storage before and after the freeze-drying process. Tray assembly  200  is also configured to freeze-dry the product which includes low pressures and low temperatures as well as high temperatures, and the system has the ability to be reused, cleaned and sterilized. 
     Tray assembly  200  can include a tray (or container)  201  for holding various items. Tray  201  can be made in any shape or size, and can be made from either metal or plastic that can hold a material or device(s). The tray bottom can be in intimate contact with a freeze dryer shelf, and the tray  201  can be treated or coated with non-stick or other coatings as the application requires. 
     Tray  201  can further include a device holder  220  to hold one or more devices in place. In one non-limiting example, device holder  220  can include various opening portions (e.g., holes) to allow a portion of device(s) to sit in and stay in place (e.g., as tray assembly  200  is transported). For example, device holder  220  is configured to have holes that accept one or more vials, or other liquid filled containers, to be positioned inside thereby keeping them secure in fixed locations of device holder  220  (e.g., so vials, or other similar containers, can be transported with tray assembly  200 ). 
     Tray assembly  200  can further include a lid  202  used to cover tray  201 . In one example embodiment, the lid  202  can be made from either metal or plastic and can contain a view port for product visibility. The lid  202  can be designed to maintain a low-pressure seal and can be latched or fastened into place. Tray assembly  200  can further include fasteners  203  (e.g., for long term storage). Fasteners  203  can be used to maintain the lid seal when the tray system is in long term storage. Fasteners  203  can include mechanical means (e.g., screws) and can be removed prior to placing the tray system in the freeze-dryer. 
     Tray assembly  200  can also include a seal (or gasket)  204  for helping to seal the material contained in tray  201 . Seal  204  can be made from pharmaceutical grade materials that can withstand the environmental conditions associated with freeze-drying. The seal  204  can be in the form of an o-ring, sheet material, molded or extruded material, inflatable, or any other method used for sealing between two surfaces. 
     Tray assembly  200  can further include a filter  205  used to filter out certain elements while keeping other elements in tray  201 . For example, filter  205  can be used to minimize particle loss during the freeze-drying process. That is, filter  205  may be used to prevent a powder from escaping tray  201  during a freeze-drying process. 
     Tray assembly  200  can also include a lid lifting mechanism  206  for enabling the lid to lift from the tray thereby “opening” the tray assembly  200 . Lid lifting mechanism  206  can include a mechanism that raises the lid and keeps it separated from the tray to enable filling and freeze-drying. This mechanism  206  enables the lid to be automatically raised for freeze-drying while inside the freeze-dryer when the pressure inside is greater than the pressure in the freeze-dryer product chamber. 
     Tray assembly  200  can further include a mechanical latch  207  for allowing lid  202  to latch to tray  201 . Mechanical latch  207 , in one non-limiting example, allows for a method for maintaining the lid seal without a vacuum for secondary protection of the product when being stored or transferred. 
     Tray assembly  200  can include items that may be placed in a vacuum (e.g., for freeze-drying) and thus tray assembly  200  includes several components for providing such a vacuum. For example, tray assembly  200  can include a vacuum (or liquid fill) ports (or valves)  208   a  and  208   b . In one example embodiment, tray assembly may include only one vacuum port (e.g., vacuum port  208   a ), and can further include more than two vacuum ports. Vacuum (or fill) ports  208   a  and  208   b  can be provided on the tray  201  or lid  202  and can include a valve and/or check valve to enable liquid to be pumped or pulled into the tray, and a vacuum/gas backfill source can be attached to provide a method of sealing the lid with an inert gas atmosphere inside the container. 
     It should be appreciated that, in one non-limiting example, tray assembly  200  may include a vacuum port  208   a  and a fill port  208   b . In particular, vacuum port  208   a  may be used to apply a vacuum to tray assembly  200  while fill port  208   b  may be used to fill an item (e.g., liquid) into tray  201 . In such a configuration, vacuum port  208   a  may need to be positioned above a liquid in tray  201  where fill port  208   b  may be positioned below the liquid in tray  201 . 
     Tray assembly  200  can further include vacuum indicator  209  and backup vacuum release (not shown). Vacuum indicator  209  can be used to indicate whether a vacuum exists inside tray assembly  200 . For example, vacuum indicator  209  can include a “pop disk” vacuum indicator to allow the operator to visually verify that the container is vacuum sealed. When the tray assembly  200  is vacuum sealed, vacuum indicator  209  may be “popped closed” to indicate that the tray assembly  200  is under vacuum. Vacuum indicator  209  may be “popped open” when the vacuum is released. For example, an operator may use backup vacuum release to release the vacuum from tray assembly  200 . Backup vacuum release can thus provide a method to release the vacuum that requires operator intervention (e.g., should the vacuum port valves fail). The vacuum can be released under any variety of methods, including release via the vacuum ports  208   a  and  208   b . These examples of tray assembly  200  shown in  FIG.  4    are of course non-limiting and the technology described herein envisions any variety of modifications to achieve the described features. 
     It should be appreciated that certain terms throughout this disclosure may be considered in their broadest sense and such terms may be interchangeable. For example, the term “freeze-drying” can include other methods such as freeze-drying, foam drying, vacuum drying, or other related drying methodology. The term “tray” or “container” can also be considered interchangeable and the term “tray” does not limit the configuration of the “container.” The term “product” or “material” can include, but is not limited to, liquids, powders, devices, reagents, drug substances, diagnostic kits, microbiome material, medical devices, and any manner of item or material that will be placed in a container that will be stored and processed using freeze-drying. 
     As discussed herein, the tray assembly (e.g., tray assembly  100 / 200 ) includes various design features and advantages. In particular, the tray assembly includes a sealable lid that provides advantages outside of a freeze-dryer and inside of a freeze-dryer. For outside a freeze-dryer using a vacuum method, a valve is provided to connect to a vacuum source enabling the closed lid to be sealed by vacuum. With the lid installed, pressure inside the tray is reduced with a pump through the vacuum/release valve located on the tray. The pressure differential between the inside of the tray and atmosphere will maintain the seal. 
     A mechanical latch or fastener can be added to ensure no loss of seal, and the tray can now be stored or loaded into the freeze dryer. Using mechanical means, latches can be used to hold the lid in place, and mechanical fasteners such as quarter turn fasteners can be used. Clamps, or other types of devices can be used, and the tray assembly is configured for long term storage. It should be appreciated that both vacuum and mechanical means can be used. 
     As for application inside the freeze-dryer, after drying is complete (and with the freeze-dryer under a light vacuum), the tray lid can be pressed onto the tray seal utilizing the shelf closure system. The vacuum in the product chamber is then released into atmosphere, while the lid is held in place. The pressure differential between the vacuum inside the tray and atmosphere keeps the lid sealed. As an additional step, the gas inside the tray can be backfilled with inert gas prior to closure, and by sealing the lid, aseptic transfer and storage is enabled. A mechanical latch that can be engaged and disengaged using the moving shelves may also be included to keep the lid in place. 
     The technology described herein also envisions multiple methods of filling the tray in either uncontrolled environments and/or controlled environments (such as in a hood, isolator, clean room, or other controlled environment). Methods of adding products or devices include, but are not limited to: pouring product into the lidless tray and then adding the lid and seal, pumping product into the partially lidded tray using a pump and tubing (a valve can be included on the tray to enable filling with the lid on), and/or pulling the liquid product into the tray using vacuum. As for pulling the liquid product into the tray using a vacuum, a vacuum can be placed on one valve reducing the pressure inside the tray. Product is attached to a second valve via a tube and the material is drawn into the tray. When complete, the product fill tube is closed and a slight vacuum, with or without inert gas, is pulled on the tray for storage. The tray assembly may also have an ability to backfill the atmosphere in the tray with inert gas. The tray can thus include storage under mechanical seal, under vacuum seal with or without inert gas, and the atmosphere in the tray can be removed and replaced with an inert gas. 
     The tray lid can be released inside the sealed freeze-dryer either in the freezing or primary drying steps. After placing the tray on to the freeze-dryer shelf, the pressure in the freeze-dryer chamber is lowered to a point below the vacuum level in the tray, the lid will automatically open and becomes available for processing (e.g., using vacuum differential). A mechanical method allows for a mechanically activated latch to be included to enable the lid to be opened and closed using the moving shelf system. It should be appreciated that the system can include a combination of vacuum and mechanical releases. 
     It should be appreciated that the lid material can be transparent or opaque, and the tray can be made of metal, plastic, and/or another suitable material. The tray bottom can be designed flat for best shelf surface contact. In an example embodiment, a flexible membrane bottom may be supplied for superior shelf contact. The tray can also be sterilized between uses. Certain sterilizations methods may include steam, vaporized hydrogen peroxide, ethylene oxide sterilization (ETO), as well as other acceptable methods. 
     A backup vacuum release can be included to overcome failure of the vacuum check valve, and a removable and/or replaceable filter membrane can be incorporated to prevent particle loss while enabling the freeze-drying process to occur. The filter can either cover the entire product surface or can be mounted on the perimeter of the tray in the gap between the lid and tray. 
     Sensors can be built into the container/tray to enable in-process monitoring and control. Some example sensors may include temperature sensor(s), pressure sensor(s), and/or heat flux sensor(s). The system may include any sensor that is relevant to process monitoring, critical process parameter determination, and control of the freeze-drying process. A vacuum indicator on the lid or tray consisting of a deforming disk that will invert under vacuum for easy visual inspection can also be included. As an option, features such as the ports and valves, vacuum indicator, and vacuum release can also be placed on the lid of the tray assembly. 
     It should be appreciated that tray assembly  100 / 200  described herein may be used in an environment utilizing aseptic processing. Various example methods of use that enable aseptic processing are described in the table below: 
     
       
         
           
               
               
               
               
             
               
                   
               
               
                 Process 
                 Pour or Place Product into 
                 Pump Liquid Product 
                 Pull Liquid Product into the 
               
               
                 Step 
                 Tray 
                 into Tray 
                 Tray 
               
               
                   
               
             
            
               
                 Filling 
                 Filling takes place in a hood or 
                 Filling takes place in a hood 
                 With the lid in place and pressed 
               
               
                   
                 isolator or other device to 
                 or isolator or other device 
                 on the gasket to create a seal, a 
               
               
                   
                 maintain sterility, 
                 to maintain sterility, 
                 negative pressure is placed on 
               
               
                   
                 contamination control, and 
                 contamination control, and 
                 the container and the liquid is 
               
               
                   
                 eliminate operator exposure. 
                 eliminate operator 
                 pulled into the tray in an aseptic 
               
               
                   
                 Without the lid in place . . . 
                 exposure. 
                 manner. The container remains 
               
               
                   
                 Liquid product is poured into 
                 A metered pump or other 
                 closed and sealed during the 
               
               
                   
                 the tray in a measured manner 
                 measured method is us to 
                 entire process. 
               
               
                   
                 in a hood or other 
                 add product to the 
                 Two valves are supplied on the 
               
               
                   
                 atmospherically controlled 
                 tray/container through a fill 
                 tray/container to enable the 
               
               
                   
                 environment to prevent 
                 valve installed on the tray. 
                 vacuum to be applied, backfilling 
               
               
                   
                 operator exposure. 
                 This allows product to be 
                 with inert gas, and for liquid 
               
               
                   
                 Or, Non-liquid materials are 
                 added in a clean repeatable 
                 product to be introduced. One 
               
               
                   
                 placed into the trays. 
                 process. Product may be 
                 valve is used to attach a vacuum 
               
               
                   
                 After adding product, the lid is 
                 added without the lid in 
                 and gas backfill source, the other 
               
               
                   
                 placed onto the lid lift 
                 place or with the lid placed 
                 valve is used to attach the liquid 
               
               
                   
                 mechanism on the 
                 on the lid lifting mechanism. 
                 product source. 
               
               
                   
                 tray/container. 
                 If the lid is not already in 
                 This method enables filling to 
               
               
                   
                   
                 place after adding product, 
                 take place in most effective fully 
               
               
                   
                   
                 the lid is placed onto the lid 
                 aseptic manner and eliminates 
               
               
                   
                   
                 lift mechanism on the 
                 operator exposure. 
               
               
                   
                   
                 tray/container. 
               
               
                 Sealing and 
                 The lid is pressed into the 
                 The lid is pressed into the 
                 The system is already under 
               
               
                 Backfilling 
                 closed position against the 
                 closed position against the 
                 negative pressure and will 
               
               
                 for pre- 
                 gasket and is then either 
                 gasket and either 
                 remain sealed. 
               
               
                 freeze- 
                 mechanically engaged or a 
                 mechanically engaged or a 
                 Once sealed, the gas in the 
               
               
                 drying 
                 vacuum is placed on the 
                 vacuum is placed on the 
                 container can be removed and 
               
               
                 storage 
                 container to provide a reduced 
                 container to provide a 
                 replaced with inert gas, such as 
               
               
                   
                 atmosphere seal. 
                 reduced atmosphere. 
                 nitrogen or argon. 
               
               
                   
                 Once sealed, the gas in the 
                 Once sealed, the gas in the 
                 In addition to the reduced 
               
               
                   
                 container can be removed and 
                 container can be removed 
                 pressure seal, a mechanical 
               
               
                   
                 replaced with inert gas, such 
                 and replaced with inert gas, 
                 fastening system may be 
               
               
                   
                 as nitrogen or argon. 
                 such as nitrogen or argon. 
                 implemented for long term 
               
               
                   
                 In addition to the reduced 
                 In addition to the reduced 
                 storage. 
               
               
                   
                 pressure seal, a mechanical 
                 pressure seal, a mechanical 
               
               
                   
                 fastening system is 
                 fastening system is 
               
               
                   
                 implemented that ensures the 
                 implemented that ensures 
               
               
                   
                 seal is maintained for long 
                 the seal is maintained for 
               
               
                   
                 term storage. 
                 long term storage. 
               
            
           
           
               
            
               
                 A vacuum indicator, such as a domed disc that ‘dimples’ or inverts when under vacuum enables a 
               
               
                 simple method for the operator to determine tray seal integrity when a low pressure seal is required. 
               
            
           
           
               
               
            
               
                 Storage 
                 Once the container is sealed it can be used for long term storage. Prior to use, the mechanical 
               
               
                 Pre-Freeze- 
                 fastening system can be removed, and the tray is ready for use. 
               
               
                 Drying 
                 During the storage period, if the vacuum is lost in the tray, as identified by observing the vacuum 
               
               
                   
                 disk, then a vacuum and/or inert atmosphere can be restored using the valving system included in 
               
               
                   
                 the tray. 
               
               
                 Loading 
                 Remove mechanical closure devices and/or fasteners, if any, prior to placing in the freeze-dryer. 
               
               
                 into Freeze- 
                 One of the following methods may be implemented. 
               
               
                 Dryer and 
                 No vacuum or mechanical seal - Containers that are not vacuum sealed will be open and 
               
               
                 Releasing 
                 ready for freeze-drying and may be placed in the freeze-dryer. 
               
               
                 the Lid 
                 Mechanically sealed - After placing in the freeze-dryer, containers that are fastened 
               
               
                   
                 using latches or ‘push to close, push to open’ system, other mechanical method, will 
               
               
                   
                 remain sealed and will be opened using the movement of the stoppering shelf system in 
               
               
                   
                 the freeze dryer during the freeze-drying process. This enables aseptic processing, 
               
               
                   
                 eliminates operator exposure, and eliminates the potential for cross contamination. 
               
               
                   
                 Vacuum sealed- If the containers are vacuum sealed, the container after being placed in 
               
               
                   
                 the freeze-dryer will open during the freeze-drying cycle when the vacuum in the product 
               
               
                   
                 chamber is reduced to a level below that of the container. During the freeze-drying cycle, 
               
               
                   
                 the lid can be released either before or during the freezing process or just prior to the 
               
               
                   
                 beginning of the primary drying cycle. 
               
               
                   
                 Mechanical and Vacuum sealed - after placing in the freeze-dryer, containers with both 
               
               
                   
                 types of seal will be automatically opened using a combination of pressure release and 
               
               
                   
                 mechanical release. 
               
               
                 Freezing 
                 Freezing in trays is accomplished through contact between the bottom of the tray and the shelf. 
               
               
                   
                 The described design, when the lid remains closed through the freezing process, enables freezing 
               
               
                   
                 with the shelf stack collapsed where both the bottom of the tray and top of the lid are in contact 
               
               
                   
                 with temperature-controlled surfaces. This enables better control of the freezing process. 
               
               
                 Post- 
                 During primary and secondary drying, the lid on the tray/container will be open. After the process 
               
               
                 Freeze- 
                 is complete the lid will be resealed to the tray prior to opening the freeze-dryer. Resealing the lid 
               
               
                 Drying 
                 prior to opening the freeze-dryer enables aseptic processing, eliminates operator exposure, and 
               
               
                   
                 eliminates the potential for cross contamination and other degradation. 
               
               
                   
                 Once freeze-drying is complete one of the following methods for sealing the lid is used: 
               
               
                   
                 Mechanical - If containers are fastened using ‘push to close, push to open’ or other 
               
               
                   
                 mechanical system, then the shelf system in the freeze dryer will be used to press the top 
               
               
                   
                 down to reengage the lid to the closed position. 
               
               
                   
                 Vacuum - If the containers are to be vacuum sealed, the lid will be pressed into place 
               
               
                   
                 using the stoppering feature of the freeze-dryer. Prior to sealing the option to backfill 
               
               
                   
                 with inert gas may take place for applications where storage in an anerobic environment 
               
               
                   
                 is required. Once the desired level of pressure to be maintained in the tray and gas 
               
               
                   
                 composition is reached, the lid is closed and held closed by the shelf assembly until the 
               
               
                   
                 vacuum in the product chamber is completely released to atmospheric pressure. The tray 
               
               
                   
                 will have a negative pressure inside, keeping the lid sealed. 
               
               
                   
                 Mechanical and Vacuum sealed - before removing the trays from the freeze-dryer, 
               
               
                   
                 containers with both types of seal will be automatically sealed using a combination of 
               
               
                   
                 pressure differential and mechanical sealing. 
               
               
                   
                 Once the trays are removed from the product chamber mechanical closure devices and/or 
               
               
                   
                 fasteners, if any, can be added for long term storage. 
               
            
           
           
               
            
               
                 A vacuum indicator, such as a domed disc that ‘dimples’ or inverts when under vacuum enables a 
               
               
                 simple method for the operator to determine tray seal integrity when a low-pressure seal is required. 
               
               
                   
               
            
           
         
       
     
     It should be appreciated that the technology described in this document includes many advantages and the advantages mentioned above are non-exhaustive; additionally, it should also be appreciated that while some advantages or combinations of advantages may be present in some embodiments, some advantages or combinations of advantages may not be present in other embodiments; and the advantages of particular embodiments, including those described above, should not be construed as limiting other embodiments or the Claims. 
     In the examples described herein, for purposes of explanation and non-limitation, specific details are set forth, such as particular nodes, functional entities, techniques, protocols, standards, etc. in order to provide an understanding of the described technology. It will be apparent to one skilled in the art that other embodiments may be practiced apart from the specific described details. In other instances, detailed descriptions of well-known methods, devices, techniques, etc. are omitted so as not to obscure the description with unnecessary detail. 
     While the technology has been described in connection with what is presently considered to be the most practical and preferred embodiment, it is to be understood that the technology is not to be limited to the disclosed embodiment, but on the contrary, is intended to cover various modifications and equivalent arrangements.