Dry Weight and Inorganic Ash Determinations

Abstract

One of the most frequently needed pieces of information in working with various extracts or fluids is the total dry weight content which includes both organic, inorganic, small and macro-molecular substances. For any quantitative studies, this information is the first one we need. Working with biologically active extracts, one should be aware of the fact that inorganic salts may be present which will contribute to the dry weight of the sample. In such cases, either dialysis against water should precede the dry weight determination or they should be determined as inorganic ash. Part A of this exercise describes a microprocedure for total dry weight determination followed by inorganic ash measurement which is described in Part B. The samples used can be any one of the preparations described in this Manual.