Polymers vs. Pain

    This reading can be used to accomplish several goals:

      The reading brings the story of aspirin into the present. (Current interest in aspirin as a heart attack prevention can be used to do this as well.)

      The reading also allows the exploration several scientific concepts, including polymers and polymerization, controlled drug delivery, and once again, altering a material's properties through alteration of its molecular structure. Since controlled delivery is achieved in this case by the depolymerization of a polymer back into its constituent monomers, the concept of reaction equilibrium and reverse reactions can be discussed as well.

      Last, like the readings on Felix Hoffmann and Arthur Eichengrün, this reading attaches a human face to a scientific discovery in the person of Dr. Kathryn Uhrich. A link is provided in the Student Version to Dr. Uhrich's faculty Web Site at Rutgers University.

    Relevant National Science Education Standards

      Unifying Concepts and Processes — In this reading the students see how the components of a monomer-polymer system behave to achieve controlled drug delivery and to achieve pain relief without stomach upset.

      Science as Inquiry — The reading explores a scientific inquiry that yielded unexpected results, and how an observant investigator was able to take advantage of unexpected results.

      Physical Science — This reading shows that PolyAspirin® was created by altering the molecular structure of an existing substance.

      Science and Technology — The reading tells the students that the technological development of PolyAspirin® was an application of existing scientific knowledge of chemistry and the pharmacology of salicylate drugs, of polymer chemistry, and polymer degradation in the body.

      Science in Personal and Social Perspectives — The reading clearly shows the impact of science on a personal health issue, namely physical pain.

      History and Nature of Science — The reading shows science as a human endeavor, as well as the nature of scientific knowledge as knowledge gained through careful observation and experimentation.

    Relevant New Jersey State Science Curriculum Standards

      5.1 The reading shows how a scientific inquiry can lead in a direction not foreseen by the inquirer, and how a prepared mind takes advantage and investigates unexpected results.
      5.4 The reading demonstrates an unexpected scientific observation (the polymer releasing salicylic acid) being applied to solve a practical problem.
      5.6 Central to this reading is the fact that substances are made of molecules, and molecules are made of atoms. More specifically, the reading shows that changing the structure of the molecule (in this case by polymerization) will change the properties of the substance.

    For more information, at other Web sites...

      New Type of Aspirin Could Be Applied Directly to Wound — from Reuters, hosted my HealthyMe.md.

      Kathryn Uhrich — read more about Dr. Uhrich's work from her own faculty home page at Rutgers University.

      Next: Timeline of Discovery

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