What are the nonfood application for freeze drying?

Freeze drying, or lyophilization, has several nonfood applications, including the preservation of pharmaceuticals, biological materials, and laboratory samples. It is commonly used to stabilize vaccines, enzymes, and antibodies, extending their shelf life and maintaining their efficacy. Additionally, freeze drying is employed in the production of instant coffee and in the preservation of cultural artifacts and documents, where moisture removal is crucial to prevent degradation. This technique allows for easy rehydration and maintains the structural integrity of sensitive materials.