Week 2: Production Refinement

The team moved forward with the proposed magnetic field induced drug delivery system, brainstorming ideas for the synthesis of the alginate vehicle. Based on feasibility estimates, it was decided that the concept should be first demonstrated on a millimeter scale. This would allow for easy visual observation of the alginate vehicle and encapsulated substances and give the team more control over the synthesis process. The decision to demonstrate on the macroscale was also driven greatly by the lack of access to equipment required to fabricate and observe hydrogels on a more realistic, 2-3 micron scale.

Earlier in the week, the group also ordered required materials for the project, including culinary sodium alginate, shown in Figures 1 and 2, and 28 gauge needles for alginate injection. Although the final product will undoubtedly require high purity alginate, food grade alginate should suffice for the proof of concept. The team also scoured Drexel's chemistry labs for calcium chloride and glassware.

Figure 1. Food grade sodium alginate brand

Figure 2: Sodium alginate powder