How important is the drying step?

The drying of the protein is crucial to retention of immunological activity over time. Residual water allows molecular movement and disrupts the stasis of desiccated storage. It is recommended that the protein be air dried to remove excess moisture and dried in a desiccated cabinet at room temperature overnight. In addition, packaging the dried, immobilized protein in a vapor barrier pouch with a desiccant is necessary for optimum stability.