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Updated: May 31, 2026

Microfluidic Buffer Exchange for Interference-free Micro/Nanoparticle Cell Engineering
Published on: July 10, 2016
Facilitating student understanding of buffering by an integration of mathematics and chemical concepts
Robert Curtright1, Randall Emry, Ruth M Heaton
1Department of Biochemistry, University of Nebraska, Lincoln, Nebraska 68588-0664.
Abstract:
We describe a simple undergraduate exercise involving the titration of a weak acid by a strong base using a pH meter and a micropipette. Students then use their data and carry out graphical analyses with a spreadsheet. The analyses involve using mathematical concepts such as first-derivative and semi-log plots and provide an opportunity for collaboration between biochemistry and mathematics instructors. By focusing on titration data, rather than the titration process, and using a variety of graphical transformations, we believe that students achieve a deeper understanding of the concept of buffering.
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