Camel antibodies may play key role in decaf kit.

May 27, 2006 - What do camels and caffeine have in common? Well actually more than you would think. Researchers at Washington University have found a novel way of rapidly detecting caffeine in coffee beverages. By injecting camels and llamas with a derivative of caffeine, the researchers were able to induce a immune response allowing for the accurate determination of caffeine.

Since each antibody attaches to a molecule of caffeine, the method is believed to produce results like those of modern analytical equipment. Results are to be published in the June 1st issue of Analytical Chemistry.

For now the development of a rapid 'caffeine dip-stick' is not yet determined, but the tool may useful for those people sensitive to caffeine. And whats best.....the camel can stay at home!

Links: 

http://www.naplesnews.com/news/2006/may/27/chemist_works_dipstick_test_caffeine_coffee/?neapolitan

http://www.azcentral.com/arizonarepublic/arizonaliving/articles/0706decaf0706.html