Allowing students to build the extraction apparatus may give them a greater appreciation for the process of extraction, as opposed to testing an antimicrobial compound out of a purchased bottle. The plant material should be sufficient to fill the porous cellulose thimble (in our experiments we use an average of 14 g of thyme in a 25- x 80-mm thimble).Īll equipment should be provided for students to assemble. It needs to be crushed, using a pestle and mortar, to provide a greater surface area. Plant material can be fresh (for example, a plant leaf) or dried. Students should set up and perform the extraction to gain first-hand experience of extraction methods. It takes the students from ‘start’ to ‘finish’ in terms of extracting and testing their own antimicrobial compounds. Performing the Soxhlet method of ethanol extractionĪllowing the students to carry out this section of the investigation provides an added layer to what would be a standard microbiology assay. As well as supporting scientific thinking, laboratory skill and competency, this activity allows students to partake in an investigation with cross-discipline approaches to the very relevant and current healthcare issue of antimicrobials. This article presents information ensuring the existing extraction method is achievable in the teaching laboratory, while allowing students hands-on investigative experience. The aim of this activity is to investigate the antimicrobial effects of plant material after extracting compounds using the relatively simple Soxhlet method ( 6). This article describes a procedure for retrieving the antimicrobial compounds (essential oils) from the plant thyme ( Thymus vulgaris) and testing it against a variety of microorganisms, both Gram-negative and Gram-positive, for antimicrobial effect ( 4). As the issue of antimicrobial resistance continues to grow, there is a renewed interest in deriving antimicrobial products from natural compounds, particularly extracts from plant material ( 8). Please be aware that this product includes chemicals that may cause cancer or reproductive harm, and therefore, the user must take adequate precautions while handling the product.Investigating the effects of antimicrobial products on microorganisms is a common procedure carried out in many microbiology laboratory courses, often using antibiotics or disinfectants against common bacterial species. This set is ideal for professionals in research laboratories, colleges, and universities who require a reliable and efficient setup for their Soxhlet extraction procedures. The entire apparatus is rated as IP code 10 equipment, which means it is not waterproof. It accepts 30 x 100mm or 33 x 100mm extraction thimbles, which are not included in the set. The support stand is sturdy and measures 20"H x 8"W with a base platform of 10.5"D with a 1" lip. The stirring function can operate at speeds of 50 to 750 RPM, and heating and stirring functions are independently controlled by two separate knobs. The mantle has a maximum operating temperature of 400 degrees Celsius and can function in ambient temperatures ranging from 45 to 100 degrees Fahrenheit, with relative humidity up to 80%. The heating mantle with stirrer features a polyurethane coated aluminum exterior and a high-quality knitted mantle with glass fiber underlay for even heat distribution. The set comes with all the essential components needed to perform a successful extraction, including a 250ml borosilicate glass boiling flask, 100ml borosilicate glass Soxhlet extractor, 300mm borosilicate glass Allihin condenser with glass connectors, a heating mantle with stirrer, rubber tubing with screw connectors, and a powder-coated metal support stand with an aluminum clamp and stability bracket. The United Scientific HMSOX-250 Soxhlet apparatus with heating mantle, single station is a complete workstation designed to simplify Soxhlet extraction processes.
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