Analysis of the Research Article pH Effects on the Bio-Permeability of Essay

Analysis of the Research Article pH Effects on the Bio-Permeability of Polymers Used in Prophylactics - Essay Example The hypothesis in this study was that pH has an effect on bio-permeability of NLR condoms hence research question is: Does pH increase the permeability of NLR condoms to infectious agents? In order to get an answer to the research question, this study tested pH effects on the permeability of natural latex rubber thus pH is an independent variable while permeability of NLR is a dependent variable. The investigators exercised adequate control of the variables. The NLR were first tested for any permeability using neutral water, bacteriophage and bacteria (E. Coli) and only those that were impermeable at the beginning of the experiment were used in the experiment. This was very important since it ensured the results that showed permeability after treating with different pH solutions were not as a result of any other factor but the pH. The second control was by cleaning the NLR condoms using distilled and neutral water. This was important because of two controls; first, by ensuring all lubricants, flavors and essence are removed from the NLR condom and second, there is no effect on the subsequent removal since distilled water (neutral was used) (Tubman et al 293-294). The investigators also prepared and standardized the bacteria that was used in this experiment and used the right media to inoculate and isolate the bacteria and bacteriophage. However, the investigators have not shown evidence of calibration of the pH meter that was used. Since pH is a variable, preparation of the pH solutions that were used to treat NLR condoms only is only mentioned but does not show for example how the study confirmed that pH 4.2 was actually 4.2. Moreover, replication of this study could face a challenge due to this fact.