Buffers

In 1908, Lawrence Joseph Henderson formulated an equation which explained carbonic acid as a natural buffer. Another gentlemen, by the name of Karl Albert Hasselbalch later used Henderson's formula to work a logarithmically relation, that measures pH derivation.

A buffer is simply a solution that resists changes in pH due to amounts of a base and acid as well as dilution. 

Buffers are essential to everyone and specifically to my major because, as a soon to be bio-systems food and processing engineer, it is used to maintain homeostasis. 

"In the food industry buffering solutions in foods play an important role in maintaining specific pH values for optimum activity of enzymes, protein solubility, and functionality. pH may also modify the color and flavor of foods and it is a critical factor in the preservation of many processed foods. Buffering solutions are also used as reaction media in the production of food ingredients and additives. Overall pH control is a major factor in maintaining the physical, chemical, and microbiological stability of foods". 

Below is an informative video on how to prepare a buffer. 

References 

  1. ↑ Chemistry and technology of soft drinks and fruit juices. 2nd ed. 2005 Ashurst, P. R.
  2. ↑ Food Additives, 2nd ed. 2002, Branen, A., Davidson, M.P., Salminen, S. and Thorngate III, J.H.
  3. ↑ Bell, L.N. and Wetzel, C.R. 1995. Aspartame degradation in solution as impacted by buffer type and concentration. J. Agric. Food Chem. 43:2608-2612.

  4. Ed Vitz (Kutztown University), John W. Moore (UW-Madison), Justin Shorb (Hope College), Xavier Prat-Resina (University of Minnesota Rochester), Tim Wendorff, and Adam Hahn.

The Basics of ph Measurements from Hach Company

Comments

  1. Ronald WatsonSeptember 21, 2021 at 8:07 PM

    The video you posted is extremely helpful. It definitely helped sharpen my understanding of pH and how it works in a procedure. The way that buffers help resist change in pH during experimentation is what allows procedure to continue successfully many times. Also it is clear you have a good understanding of the topic with great examples relating to outside context, yet still remaining relevant.

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