The use of technology in Chemistry Research
General description of the project
In this research, we look to determine the presence of Acetaldehyde in various alcohols used in hand-sanitizers, which can be toxic when present in high numbers in the body. When acetaldehyde enters the blood stream it can damage membranes and cause possible scar tissue.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, many governmental agencies across the world permitted technical grade ethanol to alleviate widespread demand for hand sanitizer, through this research, we can continue to monitor presence of acetaldehyde in consumer products. In another aspect of the research, we look to study DNA methylation. In this experiment we study the effect of plant extract on breast cancer cell lines.
Technologies
The main technique used in our laboratory is called HPCL. HPLC is an abbreviation for High Performance Liquid Chromatography. “Chromatography” is a technique for separation, “chromatogram” is the result of chromatography, and “chromatograph” is the instrument used to conduct chromatography.
Explain project results
This project results helps our institution and students in general by ensuring we are not using chemicals that harm our health. By identifying Acetaldehyde in hand sanitizers, we can somehow stop its use and protect consumers health. As a Hispanic myself, sometimes the information about the products we use is limited because it is either in English or found in inaccessible sources for our community. As a member of this research, I expand the results/outcomes to those in the Hispanic community to educate Latinos on safe chemical use.
Why it should be considered best practice?
This project should be considered a best practice simply because it involves testing for the presence of a chemical that we might be consuming every day without knowing. The project involves the use of technology equipment that can be found in many laboratories for example HPCL and GC-MS and it is completely safe for researchers to perform.
Highlights of your proposed presentation
During the time I have worked in the laboratory I feel I have started to care more about the products we put in our organisms in our everyday life. It is extremely important for our health to make sure we use safe products that do not cause complications. I have learned to work in the research environment to collaborate with others for the betterment of humanity. I believe in the potential of our research and I know we will incorporate more products to test with the goal of clarifying their ingredients.
The Evaluation Committee will evaluate submitted proposals based on the following criteria. Each area will be rated on a scale from 1 to 7 (1= non-satisfactory; 7 =outstanding), for a maximum of 63 points.