Northern Michigan University, Chemistry, Marquette, MI 49855
Siloxanes are a class of silicone compounds that can be found in many consumer products, ranging from deodorant to food processing. These compounds seem to have an effect on the permeability of various metals, including Cadmium, Iron, and Calcium. The current research has been focusing on the effect on Calcium. The determination is being done be using a bilipid membrane similar to human intestinal cells in a phosphate buffer than mimics intestinal pH. There have been numerous setbacks, mostly in the reliable detection of Calcium in solution. However, initial results seem to agree with the hypothesis that the siloxanes will increase the permeability of Calcium. The previous detection methods have included using detectors, such as Murexide and Erichrome Black T, and the use of an ICP machine. At this time, the use of an Atomic Absorption Spectrometer (AAS) is being evaluated for possible use. By the time of the Argonne National Undergraduate Symposium, the decision and preliminary results will be available for the AAS.
[Abstract (DOC)]