Quantitative HPLC Analysis of Caffeine Levels in Energy Drinks

Abstract

Energy drinks are popular beverages among college students due to their high caffeine content, and these drinks drive a multibillion dollar market in the U.S. High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) was utilized as a method for detection of caffeine in popular, commercially available energy drinks. Quantitative comparisons of caffeine levels in different commercially available beverages were conducted after analysis of a series of caffeine standard solutions. The levels of caffeine in the drinks tested were consistent with literature values obtained in each case. Future experiments will include analysis of other compounds of interest in the drinks. Based on the results of this research study, a novel problem-based learning, case study based laboratory was developed for use in Introductory Chemistry and upper-level Biochemistry courses. Faculty Adviser: Holly E. Carpenter Desai