A detector that can identify the amount of caffeine in beverages like coffee, tea, soda or other energy drinks has been created to limit caffeine intake and prevent its side effects. Excess consumption of the substance can lead to caffeine intoxication causing anxiety and insomnia.
Researchers claim that the sensor and the detection kit are non-toxic. The system uses a microfluids technique called lab-on-a-disk that extracts and measures caffeine.
According to Daily Mail, The system works by changing the colour of the drink when exposing it to a detection kit and then shining a light on it with a green laser pointer.
When a caffeinated drink is exposed to a green laser pointer, it triggers a chemical reaction, turning a small spot- red, yellow or green.
Beverages with high caffeine concentrations turn red while solutions with moderate and low caffeine concentrations turn yellow and green, respectively.
Previous studies have shown that if an individual drinks nearly hundred cups of coffee by lunch, he/she might hallucinate and die.
"Caffeine has attracted abundant attention due to its extensive existence in beverages and medicines. However, to detect it sensitively and conveniently remains a challenge, especially in resource-limited regions,.........novel aqueous phase fluorescent caffeine sensor which exhibits 250-fold fluorescence enhancement upon caffeine activation and high selectivity."
