Friday, April 29, 2016

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

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