Design Update Part 2: Alginate Modification

The idea regarding a syringe and alginate injection has been eliminated as a viable option for this project. We have decided to shift our focus to a pill that releases caffeine, a stimulant for various systems in the body. It will be comprised of alginate gel and diffuse a water based caffeine solution.

To simulate the activation of the diffusion once the gel in the stomach, we will be developing a strong acid-weak base solution with a pH as close to the average pH in the stomach as possible. Once in this acidic environment, the gel should release the caffeine and visibly display this action in a test tube. In order to reach this solution prior to adding the gel to it, we will be testing several different acid-base solutions. Based on initial testing of which acidic environment is best, we will adjust accordingly and report the correct pH.



Image source: http://openwetware.org/images/d/d2/Alginate-gel_2.png

Design Update Part 1: Caffeine

Caffeine, C8H10N4O2, is an organic compound which is known for properties as a stimulant in beverages like coffee, tea, soda and others. Its biological functions include being an Adenosine receptor antagonist and is widely used as a stimulant in the Central Nervous System (CNS), respiratory and cardiac systems. It predominantly affects the cerebral cortex and possesses vircudial properties, meaning that it can neutralize or destroy a virus. Other uses include a chemosterilant against pests which affect stored grain like wheat and treating several afflictions in horses.

We found that Caffeine is that is has similar properties to Vitamin B12 based on a research paper which discussed the use of Vitamin B12 in alginate gel releases. Not only is Caffeine hydrophilic, it has a smaller molecular weight than Vitamin B12 which influences us to believe that the molecules will diffuse more effectively out of the gel.





Image and Caffeine facts Source: http://dnp.chemnetbase.com/AAA00.entry?parentCHNumber=CFJ89&exno=CFJ89

Ibuprofen VS Naproxen

We have been looking into using Naproxen (found in Midol and Aleve) or Ibuprofen (Tylenol) and their effectiveness as anti-inflammatory and pain-reducing drugs.

	Pros	Cons
Naproxen	Lasts longer than Ibuprofen, so you can take it less often. Naproxen works as well as Aspirin and Indomethacin to treat arthritis pain, and causes fewer stomach problems. Works well to relieve pain, swelling, and fevers.	It needs to be taken with food to avoid getting an upset stomach. Can cause serious kidney and stomach problems (like ulcers and bleeding) the longer you take it. Can raise your risk of having blood clots, heart attack, or stroke.
Ibuprofen	Works well to relieve pain and fevers Causes less upset stomach, ulcers, bruising, and bleeding than Naproxen Doesn't cause kidney damage and is safe to use if you have heart problems or if you're pregnant.	Tylenol doesn't treat pain as well as other medications like ibuprofen and naproxen. Drinking alcohol while taking Tylenol can damage your liver. To avoid hurting your liver, you need to keep track of the total amount of acetaminophen (APAP)

Main takeaways from Naproxen vs Ibuprofen research:

Tylenol reduces fever and relieves pain well, but it doesn't lower inflammation and swelling.

Naproxen works well for mild to moderate pain and inflammation, and it lasts longer than other Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).

Week 2 Recap

We hope to incorporate ferrofluids into our hydrogel design and use magnets to improve the administration of drug delivery via hydrogels. Through this method, the magnetic fields will pull the medicine more effectively in emergency situations from the alginate gel. The two medicines we are looking to use are either Acetaminophen or Naproxen. Both are found in common over the counter forms but we are looking to administer these into the leg, similar to an Epi-pen applicator.

We are working to solidifying our application of this method and are working with Professor Cheng to finalize details.

Shout out to our partner Eric, we hope you make a speedy recovery!