By: Brent Criswell, Central Columbia H.S., Bloomsburg, PA
With the Modeling Nanotechnology with Encapsulation by Sodium Alginate Laboratory Kit, students will model nanotechnology on a larger scale using sodium alginate, a natural polymer from seaweed. This is an engaging, modern experiment!
Nanotechnology is the study of the preparation and properties of atomic, molecular or macromolecular particles in the size range of 1–100 nanometers. An exciting new breakthrough in nanotechnology involves the delivery and transport of medicines to treatment areas in the body by encapsulating drugs in molecular “cages” consisting of nanoparticles. In this modern, hands-on lab activity, students will model this technology on a larger scale using sodium alginate, a natural polymer from seaweed. When sodium alginate is added to a solution containing calcium ions, calcium alginate precipitates out as microspheres. These “capsules” can be used to trap and also release indicator dye molecules. A engaging modern-chemistry experiment!
Complete for 30 students working in pairs. Reusable 6-well reaction plates are recommended and available separately.
Correlation to Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS)
Science & Engineering Practices
Developing and using models Planning and carrying out investigations Analyzing and interpreting data Using mathematics and computational thinking Constructing explanations and designing solutions
Disciplinary Core Ideas
MS-PS1.A: Structure and Properties of Matter HS-PS1.A: Structure and Properties of Matter HS-PS2.B: Types of Interactions
Crosscutting Concepts
Systems and system models Structure and function
Performance Expectations
HS-PS2-6. Communicate scientific and technical information about why the molecular-level structure is important in the functioning of designed materials.