The Effect of the Thickness of the Material Used to Contain Aromatic Extracts from Diffusing into the Environment

1. Each lab group will receive five samples of different extracts to sniff and identify by smell. After you record your description of the smell, request the code to record the actual name of the extract.

1. Choose one of these extracts and use a 1ml disposable pipette to dispense 2ml of the extract into plastic zipper bags of three different thicknesses. In addition, make containers of pieces of plastic wrap and aluminum foil secured by twist ties.
2. Check for the diffusion of the extract out of each container by using your sense of smell and record your results in the data table.

1. Choose a second extract and repeat steps #2 and #3

Discussion Questions:

1. Which of the materials would you choose if you were designing a delivery system for aromatic fragrances and why?

1. Why is this material successful in preventing diffusion of the aromatic extract into the environment?

1. What characteristics would you need to consider in a material used to contain a medicine that would be ingested for extended release?