Critical Point Drying

Hello Joo,

I have very little experience in critical point drying but here is
what I have learned this fall doing CPD.

(1) Do a trial run with your system first to know you can control the
temp of the water jacket accurately. This is important for maintaining
both temp and pressure, which can effect end results.

(2) Always try to let your gels sit overnight, and if possible in an
oven near 40-60 degrees C, to thoroughly form any bonds that are
available and complete the gelation.

(3) Depending on the gel your trying to dry, it may require several
hours of ethanol soaking to replace the water. I have learned that
many times it is necessary to move up in EtOH concentration in step
changes, starting near 10-20% and moving up to 200 proof. this could
take 2 or 3 days.

This may apply more to my system than your own and only some of my
gels have been successful, they have alot of glycerol in them, but
this is what I have learned thus far. I hope it helps.

-Travis