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Related Concept Videos

Buffer Effectiveness02:19

Buffer Effectiveness

Buffer solutions do not have an unlimited capacity to keep the pH relatively constant . Instead, the ability of a buffer solution to resist changes in pH relies on the presence of appreciable amounts of its conjugate weak acid-base pair. When enough strong acid or base is added to substantially lower the concentration of either member of the buffer pair, the buffering action within the solution is compromised.
The buffer capacity is the amount of acid or base that can be added to a given volume...
Methods for Studying Drug Absorption: In vitro01:16

Methods for Studying Drug Absorption: In vitro

In vitro experiments are crucial for understanding the transport and absorption of drugs through biological materials. These studies employ varied methods such as the diffusion cell method, the everted sac technique, and the everted ring technique.
The diffusion cell method uses a two-compartment cell, including a donor compartment with the drug solution, which simulates the environment where the drug is applied, and a receptor compartment with a buffer solution, which simulates the environment...
Buffers: Buffer Capacity01:09

Buffers: Buffer Capacity

Buffer capacity is the quantitative measure of a buffer to resist the change in pH. As shown in the following equation, the buffer capacity, denoted by 'beta', is expressed as the number of moles of acid or base needed to change the pH of a one-liter buffer solution by 1 unit. Here, Ca and Cb indicate the number of moles of acid and base, respectively. Note that dpH represents the change in pH.
In the graph, pH is plotted as a function of the number of moles of base (Cb) added to a weak acid...
Buffer Systems in the Body01:19

Buffer Systems in the Body

Chemical buffers play a critical role in the body's regulation of pH levels. These systems contain one or more compounds that stabilize pH changes by neutralizing strong acids or bases. When pH levels drop, hydrogen ions bind to a weak base; when pH levels rise, hydrogen ions are released. This dynamic process helps maintain pH within a narrow and stable range essential for normal physiological function.
A typical buffer system in bodily fluids includes a weak acid and its corresponding anion,...
Protein Buffers in Blood Plasma and Cells01:20

Protein Buffers in Blood Plasma and Cells

The human body utilizes protein buffer systems to maintain a stable pH. These systems capitalize on the dual role of amino acids, which can act as acids or bases by accepting or releasing hydrogen ions in response to pH changes. Protein buffer systems are particularly significant in the extracellular fluid (ECF) and intracellular fluid (ICF) of active cells, where structural and functional proteins provide substantial buffering capacity.
Certain amino acids can exist in a zwitterion state at a...

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A Method for Determination and Simulation of Permeability and Diffusion in a 3D Tissue Model in a Membrane Insert System for Multi-well Plates
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Measuring human skin buffering capacity: an in vitro model.

Hongbo Zhai1, Heidi P Chan, Sara Farahmand

  • 1Department of Dermatology, School of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, CA 94143-0989, USA.

Skin Research and Technology : Official Journal of International Society for Bioengineering and the Skin (ISBS) [And] International Society for Digital Imaging of Skin (ISDIS) [And] International Society for Skin Imaging (ISSI)
|October 17, 2009
PubMed
Summary

This study demonstrates that human cadaver skin exhibits buffering capacity against acids and bases in vitro. While skin pH rapidly recovers from acid exposure, base exposure results in a more sustained elevation of skin pH.

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Area of Science:

  • Dermatology
  • Biophysics
  • Biochemistry

Background:

  • The skin's natural buffering capacity is crucial for maintaining its barrier function.
  • Understanding skin's response to acidic and basic substances is vital for product formulation and safety assessments.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To quantitatively measure the buffering capacity of human cadaver skin in vitro.
  • To assess the skin's pH response to varying concentrations of model acid (hydrochloric acid) and base (sodium hydroxide) solutions.

Main Methods:

  • An in vitro system using human cadaver skin in glass diffusion cells was employed.
  • Skin pH was measured after application of hydrochloric acid and sodium hydroxide solutions at 0.025, 0.05, and 0.1 N.
  • pH measurements were taken at multiple time points, including post-application and post-washing with deionized water.

Main Results:

  • Both acid and base treatments significantly altered skin pH, with dose-dependent effects observed.
  • Skin pH rapidly returned to baseline after acid exposure but remained significantly elevated after base exposure, even after washing.
  • Phosphate-buffered saline and water controls also showed significant pH changes post-washing.

Conclusions:

  • Human cadaver skin exhibits measurable buffering capacity in an in vitro setting.
  • The skin's pH recovery is faster following acid exposure compared to base exposure.
  • These findings suggest potential clinical implications for topical product safety and efficacy.