The diffusion coefficient of caffeine through agar gels containing a hyaluronic acid–protein complex. A model system for the study of the permeability of connective tissues

Abstract

A hyaluronic acid–protein complex was embedded into agar gel. This gel complex resembles in some respects the physiological situation in connective tissue, but still permits precise physicochemical measurements to be made. The diffusion coefficient of caffeine into and from such gels has been measured as a function of both agar and hyaluronate concentration. The value for the diffusion coefficient of caffeine was also measured by using a Gouy type diffusiometer. From both types of measurement the value for D (Fick) for caffeine when extrapolated to zero caffeine and agar concentrations agreed at (6.79±0.01)×10−6cm2·s−1 at 25°C. Although agar concentration had only a small effect on caffeine diffusion, hyaluronic acid caused a large decrease in caffeine diffusion co-efficient. The presence of the hyaluronic acid–protein complex within the gel tended to oppose gel syneresis, a concentration of 1.7mg/ml abolishing the effect and higher concentrations reversing it. The possible physiological implications of these results are discussed.