Whey Protein Analysis Using the Lowry Assay and 96-Well-Plate Digital Images Acquired Using Smartphones

Course based undergraduate research experiences (CUREs) enable students to connect theoretical coursework to the real-world application of scientific research, broadly increasing the accessibility of research to students. Similarly, service-learning courses connect undergraduate students to their surrounding communities by anchoring a component of the course in community service and providing an opportunity for students to recognize its potential impact on humanity. Herein, we describe the implementation of a combined CURE and a service learning course. Students designed chemical investigations of purslane, a medicinal and edible plant, while simultaneously volunteering at a campus community garden. Student-led investigations have included analyses of extraction efficiencies, the effect of preparation on the antioxidant potential, and the antimicrobial activity of purslane extracts, among others. Pre-and post-survey data suggest that CUREs may be effectively achieved in a lab course with a significant service learning component. This course can be easily adapted to meet the needs and interests of other chemistry courses.

Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Research and Service Learning in a Garden of Chemistry

Eskew,

Smythers,

Hutson

2023

“…Data sets can be compared, represented, and visualized using boxplots. − Thus, in this activity, the chemical and physical properties of elements (metals, nonmetals, and metalloids) were represented in different colors as in Figure . Then the chemical and physical properties of elements were compared using boxplots.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…It is written in the R programming language, released under a free and open-source license. In advance of the previously mentioned software, it provides a friendly, graphical, and intuitive interface, and its use in chemical education was recently shown. , …”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Data Visualization Using Boxplots: Comparison of Metalloid, Metal, and Nonmetal Chemical and Physical Properties

Borges

2023

Self Cite

In this activity, students observe chemical and physical properties of elements using an online periodic table, where these properties were shown numerically and by colors. Then the elements were divided into metals, nonmetals, and metalloids, and their periodic properties were visualized using statistical concepts such as normality, kurtosis, histograms, Q−Q plots, p values, and, most important, boxplots. These statistical tests were carried out using JASP, which is free and opensource software written in the R language.

“…One way to maintain or revive undergraduate student interest in classical wet chemical analysis is by employing modern tools that students routinely use on a daily basis. One such tool is the smartphone, which has already been applied in several analytical measurements, including digital image color measurements. − Such a device can take the ambiguity out of detecting indicator color changes, which are currently performed visually. ,, For example, in the case of determining water hardness, the end point of the complexometric titration of Ca 2+ and Mg 2+ with ethylenediamine tetraacetic acid (EDTA) requires the visual detection of a metallochromic indicator color change from red-violet to purple at or near the equivalence point and then to blue just past the end point. , For an inexperienced undergraduate student, visual detection of the end point for such a titration can be nontrivial. Also, replacing specialized (if somewhat antiquated) equipment with modern and commonplace technology is expected to stimulate additional student interest in classical wet chemical analysis .…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Modernizing Titrations in the Undergraduate Laboratory: No More Burets and End Point Confusion, Just a Top-Loading Balance and a Smartphone

Larkin,

Ahn,

Ahn

et al. 2023

This study introduces a modernized approach to classical volumetric titrations for the undergraduate chemistry curriculum. Leveraging smartphones and digital top-loading balances, we performed mass-based titrations and determined end points using digital color measurements. Our aim was to make classical wet chemistry more accessible and engaging for students. Our approach will also enable color-blind and visually impaired students to actively engage in routine laboratory procedures, such as titrations, and perform equally as well as their peers. Traditionally, titrations have relied upon manual visual detection of indicator color changes, some of which can be challenging for inexperienced students. This study used a complexometric titration with EDTA as the titrant and Eriochrome Black T (EBT) as the indicator to determine the hardness of water samples. Students used their phones/tablets to capture images of the titration process/progress, and the color digitization application (app) converted the color of the solution to red, green, and blue (RGB) values. These values were used to plot the titration curve, obtain the first and second derivatives, and determine the end point. The study demonstrated the approach was effective in determining water hardness. It showed good reproducibility and accuracy compared to the classical volumetric titrations, reducing the need for a continuous stock of glass burets. The method has the potential for broader applications and could easily be adapted for fieldwork, making it invaluable for Citizen Science type projects. The study highlights the growing role of smartphones in science education and analysis. Such technology can allow students the opportunity to bridge the gap between theory and practice and encourage creativity in experimental design.