Maceration
The maceration or the macerating (from latin macerare wear down friable, make torment) is a physical process in which a starting material in total or at the surface for some time to the action of a liquid, such as water , oil or alcohol is subjected, which as Menstruum ( solvent ) is used for certain ingredients. Preparatory work step is usually a the crushing appropriate comminution. The product is called macerate . If this process is supported by the supply of heat , one speaks of digestion .
In pharmacy and biology, the term maceration is also used for enzymatic and thus chemical processes.
Maceration as a physical process
In the case of physical maceration, the object or body as such is not dissolved, but only soluble components of it go into the liquid, which serves as a solvent. This can be, for example, coloring and flavoring in the production of flavored spirits (bitter, liqueur , spirit). The remains of the original carriers of these substances (shells, roots) are preserved. The choice of solvent depends on its particular dissolving power in relation to the substance to be dissolved.
Maceration is used in pharmaceuticals and biotechnology (see cell and tissue culture ), perfume production and food technology, but also medicine and naturopathy.
In process engineering , such a solution process is referred to as physical extraction , for example in the production of rennet essence . It is a purely physical process as long as there is no chemical reaction such as oxidation , unlike liquid-liquid extraction with the help of complexing agents .
In pharmacy , the solution that is obtained during maceration is called cold infusion .
Softening with the participation of enzymatic-chemical processes
medicine
In medicine , maceration describes the softening of a tissue after prolonged contact or when it is saturated with a liquid. This applies particularly to the skin in regions with an unfavorable microclimate, i.e. with skin-to-skin contact ( spaces between toes, buttocks , the contact surface of the breasts , groin) or excessive perspiration .
Persistent contact with urine (see diaper eczema ), exudate or saliva can also be the cause . Especially at the beginning of breastfeeding, there is a risk that the nipple skin will macerate through prolonged contact with saliva and that an inflammation of the mammary gland will spread (puerperal mastitis ).
The top layer of skin also macerates during long full baths (fingertips).
biology
In biology , the term is used to describe the disintegration of plant tissue into its cells , which has been preceded by the dissolution of the middle lamellae between the cell walls (e.g. when apples become floury ). The middle lamella can also be deliberately broken down enzymatically in order to obtain individual cells for a cell suspension culture. Optionally, the cells for this can also be obtained by mechanical cold maceration.
Food
Maceration is ubiquitous when preparing food (brewing, boiling, and so on), as is the making of wine or gin . In the production of food , soaking is also known as maceration.
Maceration or wood corrosion
The treatment of old roof trusses in the German Reich with fire protection salts leads, under certain conditions, to the treated surface of the wood peeling off in a gradual process. The affected woods show a milky, streaky surface. This process is known as maceration or wood corrosion.
See also
Individual evidence
- ^ A b K. H. Neumann (1995): Plant cell and tissue cultures , Ulmer Verlag, Stuttgart
- ^ Federal Construction Gazette, May 2016
