1
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Chauhan V, Sharma M. Development and validation of presumptive spot test for the identification of z-drugs used in drug-facilitated crimes. Forensic Sci Med Pathol 2023:10.1007/s12024-023-00739-7. [PMID: 37878164 DOI: 10.1007/s12024-023-00739-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/16/2023] [Indexed: 10/26/2023]
Abstract
The significance and desire for preliminary testing approaches that are straightforward, quick, selective, affordable, and practical for use in the field are highlighted by the increasing enormous amounts of potentially illegal samples being seized worldwide. The "z-drugs," which include zolpidem, zopiclone, and eszopiclone, are non-benzodiazepine medications used to treat insomnia. z-drugs are short-term solutions for sleeplessness and anxiety but have a long history of abuse and misuse. The extensive list is primarily utilized for drug-facilitated crimes and drug dependence. The presumptive color spot test for z-drugs, such as zolpidem, zopiclone, and eszopiclone, has been created and validated in this study. In the preliminary identification of zolpidem, zopiclone, and eszopiclone, no color spot test has been documented as per the literature. The color spot test is the most essential and routinely used technique for identifying any unknown sample substance. The color test method was proven to provide high-quality, dependable presumptive test findings and satisfy standards for preliminary screening usage. Validation experiments demonstrate that, at room temperature, the color change is specific to the zolpidem, zopiclone, and eszopiclone classes and unaffected by the common cutting agent's presence. It was discovered that 5, 10, and 6 ppm were the operational limit of detection of the sample present against the reagents 0.1% diphenyl carbazone, aqueous potassium iodoplatinate, and modified cobalt thiocyanate reagent, respectively. The color test is immediate and validated with other substances of a similar category and 10 ppm was the operational limit of detection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Varsha Chauhan
- National Forensic Science University, Delhi Campus, Ministry of Home Affairs, Sec-3, Rohini, Delhi, 110085, India
| | - Manu Sharma
- National Forensic Science University, Delhi Campus, Ministry of Home Affairs, Sec-3, Rohini, Delhi, 110085, India.
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2
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Bugeja N, Oliver C, McGrath N, McGuire J, Yan C, Carlysle-Davies F, Reid M. Teaching old presumptive tests new digital tricks with computer vision for forensic applications. DIGITAL DISCOVERY 2023; 2:1143-1151. [PMID: 38013815 PMCID: PMC10408571 DOI: 10.1039/d3dd00066d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2023] [Accepted: 06/26/2023] [Indexed: 11/29/2023]
Abstract
Presumptive (or 'spot') tests have served forensic scientists, law enforcement, and legal practitioners for over a hundred years. Yet, the intended design of such tests, enabling quick identification of drugs by-eye, also hides their full potential. Here, we report the development and application of time-resolved imaging methods of reactions attending spot tests for amphetamines, barbiturates, and benzodiazepines. Analysis of the reaction videos helps distinguish drugs within the same structural class that, by-eye, are judged to give the same qualitative spot test result. It is envisaged that application of these results will bridge the existing suite of field and lab-based confirmatory forensic tests, and support a broader range of colorimetric sensing technologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathalie Bugeja
- Department of Pure and Applied Chemistry, University of Strathclyde Glasgow UK
| | - Cameron Oliver
- Department of Pure and Applied Chemistry, University of Strathclyde Glasgow UK
| | - Nicole McGrath
- Department of Pure and Applied Chemistry, University of Strathclyde Glasgow UK
| | - Jake McGuire
- Department of Pure and Applied Chemistry, University of Strathclyde Glasgow UK
| | - Chunhui Yan
- Department of Pure and Applied Chemistry, University of Strathclyde Glasgow UK
| | | | - Marc Reid
- Department of Pure and Applied Chemistry, University of Strathclyde Glasgow UK
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3
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Ott CE, Burns A, Sisco E, Arroyo LE. Targeted fentanyl screening utilizing electrochemical surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (EC-SERS) applied to authentic seized drug casework samples. Forensic Chem 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.forc.2023.100492] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/29/2023]
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4
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Kranenburg RF, Ramaker HJ, van Asten AC. Portable near infrared spectroscopy for the isomeric differentiation of new psychoactive substances. Forensic Sci Int 2022; 341:111467. [PMID: 36154979 DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2022.111467] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2022] [Revised: 09/01/2022] [Accepted: 09/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
Rapid and efficient identification of the precise isomeric form of new psychoactive substances (NPS) by forensic casework laboratories is a relevant challenge in the forensic field. Differences in legal status occur for ring-isomeric species of the same class, thus leading to different penalties and judicial control. Portable systems such as near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopy recently emerged as suitable techniques for the on-scene identification of common drugs of abuse such as cocaine, MDMA and amphetamine. This way, the overall forensic process becomes more efficient as relevant information on substance identity becomes available directly at the scene of crime. Currently, no NIR-based applications exist for the rapid, on-scene detection of NPS isomers. Herein, we present the differentiation of cathinone and phenethylamine-type NPS analogues based on their NIR spectrum recorded in 2 seconds on a portable 1350 - 2600 nm spectrometer. A prior developed data analysis model was found suitable for the identification of the methylmethcathinone (MMC) isomers 2-MMC, 3-MMC and 4-MMC. In 51 mixtures and 22 seized casework samples, the correct isomeric form was detected in all cases except for a few mixtures with an active ingredient content of 10 wt%. These results show the feasibility of on-site NPS detection as presumptive test performed directly at the scene of crime with a small size NIR-spectrometer. Additionally, in the illicit drug analysis laboratory the combination of NIR and GC-MS analysis might be suitable for robust identification of NPS isomers and analogues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruben F Kranenburg
- Dutch National Police, Unit Amsterdam, Forensic Laboratory, Kabelweg 25, Amsterdam 1014 BA, the Netherlands; Van 't Hoff Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Amsterdam, Postbus 94157, Amsterdam 1090 GD, the Netherlands.
| | - Henk-Jan Ramaker
- TIPb, Koningin Wilhelminaplein 30, Amsterdam 1062 KR, the Netherlands
| | - Arian C van Asten
- Van 't Hoff Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Amsterdam, Postbus 94157, Amsterdam 1090 GD, the Netherlands; Co van Ledden Hulsebosch Center (CLHC), Amsterdam Center for Forensic Science and Medicine, Postbus 94157, Amsterdam 1090 GD, the Netherlands
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5
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Paraformaldehyde-coated electrochemical sensor for improved on-site detection of amphetamine in street samples. Microchem J 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.microc.2022.107518] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
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6
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Van Echelpoel R, Kranenburg RF, van Asten AC, De Wael K. Electrochemical detection of MDMA and 2C-B in ecstasy tablets using a selectivity enhancement strategy by in-situ derivatization. Forensic Chem 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.forc.2021.100383] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
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7
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Arrieiro MO, Arantes LC, Moreira DA, Pimentel DM, Lima CD, Costa LM, Verly RM, dos Santos WT. Electrochemical detection of eutylone using screen-printed electrodes: Rapid and simple screening method for application in forensic samples. Electrochim Acta 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.electacta.2022.140106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
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8
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Kranenburg RF, Ramaker H, Sap S, Asten AC. A Calibration Friendly Approach to Identify Drugs of Abuse Mixtures with a Portable Near‐Infrared Analyzer. Drug Test Anal 2022; 14:1089-1101. [PMID: 35098685 PMCID: PMC9305489 DOI: 10.1002/dta.3231] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2021] [Revised: 01/23/2022] [Accepted: 01/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
Both the increasing number and diversity of illicit‐drug seizures complicate forensic drug identification. Traditionally, colorimetric tests are performed on‐site, followed by transport to a laboratory for confirmatory analysis. Higher caseloads increase laboratory workload and associated transport and chain‐of‐evidence assurance performed by police officers. Colorimetric tests are specific only for a small set of drugs. The rise of new psychoactive substances therefore introduces risks for erroneous results. Near‐infrared (NIR)‐based analyzers may overcome these encumbrances by their compound‐specific spectral selectivity and broad applicability. This work introduces a portable NIR analyzer that combines a broad wavelength range (1300–2600 nm) with a chemometric model developed specifically for forensic samples. The application requires only a limited set of reference spectra for time‐efficient model training. This calibration‐light approach thus eliminates the need of extensive training sets including mixtures. Performance was demonstrated with 520 casework samples resulting in a 99.6% true negative and 97.6% true positive rate for cocaine. Similar results were obtained for MDMA, methamphetamine, ketamine, and heroin. Additionally, 236 samples were analyzed by scanning directly through their plastic packaging. Also here, a >97% true positive rate was obtained. This allows for non‐invasive, operator‐safe chemical identification of potentially potent drugs of abuse. Our results demonstrate the applicability for multiple drug‐related substances. Ideally, the combination of this NIR approach with other portable techniques, such as Raman and IR spectroscopy and electrochemical tests, may eventually eliminate the need for subsequent laboratory analysis; therefore, saving tremendous resources in the overall forensic process of confirmatory illicit drug identification.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruben F. Kranenburg
- Dutch National Police, Unit Amsterdam, Forensic Laboratory, Kabelweg 25 Amsterdam BA The Netherlands
- Van’t Hoff Institute for Molecular Sciences University of Amsterdam Amsterdam GD The Netherlands
| | | | - Sharon Sap
- Dutch Customs Laboratory, Kingsfordweg 1 Amsterdam GN The Netherlands
| | - Arian C. Asten
- Van’t Hoff Institute for Molecular Sciences University of Amsterdam Amsterdam GD The Netherlands
- Co van Ledden Hulsebosch Center (CLHC), Amsterdam Center for Forensic Science and Medicine, Postbus 94157 Amsterdam GD The Netherlands
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9
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Dragan AM, Parrilla M, Feier B, Oprean R, Cristea C, De Wael K. Analytical techniques for the detection of amphetamine-type substances in different matrices: A comprehensive review. Trends Analyt Chem 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.trac.2021.116447] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
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10
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Clancy L, Philp M, Shimmon R, Fu S. Development and validation of a color spot test method for the presumptive detection of 25-NBOMe compounds. Drug Test Anal 2020; 13:929-943. [PMID: 32744773 DOI: 10.1002/dta.2905] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2020] [Revised: 07/26/2020] [Accepted: 07/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The great increase of new psychoactive substances over the past decade has substantially transformed the illicit drug industry to an ever-changing dynamic market. 25-NBOMe compounds are just one of these new substance groups that pose a public health risk in many countries around the world. These highly potent, hallucinogenic phenethylamines have previously been sold as "legal highs" or "synthetic LSD" and the necessity to rapidly identify their presence is crucial. While there are many laboratory-based analytical methods capable of identifying these compounds, the lack of presumptive test methods indicates the need for a specific and timely test that could be used in the field. Herein we outline the developed chemical spot test that can selectively identify the presence of 25-NBOMe compounds and related analogs through the reaction with a substituted benzoquinone reagent under basic conditions. This test method has been comprehensively validated showing a high level of selectivity, specificity, and precision with only two other illicit substances producing similar positive results as 25-NBOMe and few false-negative results seen. The working limit of detection was determined to be 225 μg and there was no cross-reactivity from potential adulterants of significance. This test has also been shown to work directly with blotter papers containing 25-NBOMe compounds, indicating no interference from this common matrix and the ability to differentiate these compounds from LSD. This method shows a high potential to be translated to a field compatible test that is simple, rapid, and selective for 25-NBOMe compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Clancy
- Centre for Forensic Science, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, NSW, Australia
| | - Morgan Philp
- Centre for Forensic Science, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, NSW, Australia
| | - Ronald Shimmon
- Centre for Forensic Science, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, NSW, Australia
| | - Shanlin Fu
- Centre for Forensic Science, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, NSW, Australia
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11
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de Jong M, Sleegers N, Florea A, Van Loon J, van Nuijs ALN, Samyn N, De Wael K. Unraveling the Mechanisms Behind the Complete Suppression of Cocaine Electrochemical Signals by Chlorpromazine, Promethazine, Procaine, and Dextromethorphan. Anal Chem 2019; 91:15453-15460. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.9b03128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Mats de Jong
- AXES Research Group, University of Antwerp, Groenenborgerlaan 171, 2020 Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Nick Sleegers
- AXES Research Group, University of Antwerp, Groenenborgerlaan 171, 2020 Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Anca Florea
- AXES Research Group, University of Antwerp, Groenenborgerlaan 171, 2020 Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Joren Van Loon
- AXES Research Group, University of Antwerp, Groenenborgerlaan 171, 2020 Antwerp, Belgium
- Product Development Research Group, University of Antwerp, Ambtmanstraat 1, 2000 Antwerp, Belgium
| | | | - Nele Samyn
- Drugs and Toxicology Department, National Institute for Criminalistics and Criminology, Vilvoordsesteenweg 100, 1120 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Karolien De Wael
- AXES Research Group, University of Antwerp, Groenenborgerlaan 171, 2020 Antwerp, Belgium
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12
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Palamar JJ, Acosta P, Sutherland R, Shedlin MG, Barratt MJ. Adulterants and altruism: A qualitative investigation of "drug checkers" in North America. THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DRUG POLICY 2019; 74:160-169. [PMID: 31610451 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugpo.2019.09.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2019] [Revised: 09/25/2019] [Accepted: 09/27/2019] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND "Drug checking" has become a common harm reduction method used to test illicit substances, such as ecstasy, for purity and/or the presence of adulterants. Formal drug-checking services have been operating for decades, and the use of personal reagent test kits appears to be relatively common; however, little attention has been devoted to understanding the role and broader experiences of 'drug-checkers' (i.e., people who test their own and/or other people's substances). As such, it remains unknown who is engaging in this practice, their motivations for drug-checking, and what barriers they may experience. We addressed this research gap by interviewing people who check drugs about their experiences, with a goal of better understanding drug checking practices. METHODS We conducted in-depth interviews with 32 adults in North America who reported testing drugs. Coding was conducted in an inductive manner and thematic analysis was used to identify relevant themes. RESULTS Over half (56.2%) of our sample was affiliated with a drug checking organization. Among non-affiliated checkers (43.8%), the majority (57.1%) tested for friends, 21.4% tested only for themselves, and 21.4% were people who sold drugs and tested for their clients. Motivations were driven largely by altruism, described by checkers as wanting to protect their peers from exposure to adulterants. People interviewed who sold drugs were altruistic in the same manner. Barriers to checking-particularly at nightclubs and festivals-included perceived illegality of test kits and denied approval to test drugs at venues, although many checkers circumvented this barrier by checking drugs without such approval. CONCLUSIONS Drug checkers in North America seek to educate people who use drugs about the risk of exposure to unexpected substance types, but they face various barriers. Policy change could help ensure that these potentially life-saving services can be provided without fear of fines and/or criminal prosecution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph J Palamar
- Department of Population Health, New York University School of Medicine, 180 Madison Avenue, Room 1752, New York, NY 10016, USA; Center for Drug Use and HIV/HCV Research, NYU College of Global Public Health, New York, NY, USA.
| | - Patricia Acosta
- Department of Population Health, New York University School of Medicine, 180 Madison Avenue, Room 1752, New York, NY 10016, USA
| | - Rachel Sutherland
- National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Michele G Shedlin
- Center for Drug Use and HIV/HCV Research, NYU College of Global Public Health, New York, NY, USA
| | - Monica J Barratt
- Social and Global Studies Centre, RMIT University, Melbourne, Australia; National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, Australia
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13
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Yen YT, Lin YS, Chen TY, Chyueh SC, Chang HT. Carbon dots functionalized papers for high-throughput sensing of 4-chloroethcathinone and its analogues in crime sites. ROYAL SOCIETY OPEN SCIENCE 2019; 6:191017. [PMID: 31598318 PMCID: PMC6774952 DOI: 10.1098/rsos.191017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2019] [Accepted: 08/12/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Sensitive and selective assays are demanded for quantitation of new psychoactive substances such as 4-chloroethcathinone that is a π-conjugated keto compound. Carbon dots (C-dots) prepared from L-arginine through a hydrothermal route have been used for quantitation of 4-chloroethcathinone in aqueous solution and on C-dot-functionalized papers (CDFPs). To prepare CDFPs, chromatography papers, each with a pattern of 8 × 12 circles (wells), are first fabricated through a solid-ink printing method and then the C-dots are coated into the wells. π-Conjugated keto or ester compounds induce photoluminescence quenching of C-dots through an electron transfer process. At pH 7.0, the CDFPs allow screening of abused drugs such as cocaine, heroin and cathinones. Because of poor solubility of heroin and cocaine at pH 11.0, the C-dot probe is selective for cathinones. The C-dots in aqueous solution and CDFPs at pH 11.0 allow quantitation of 4-chloroethcathinone down to 1.73 mM and 0.14 mM, respectively. Our sensing system consisting of a portable UV-lamp, a smartphone and a low-cost CDFP has been used to detect cathinones, cocaine and heroin at pH 7.0, showing its potential for screening of these drugs in crime sites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yao-Te Yen
- Department of Chemistry, National Taiwan University, Taipei 10617, Taiwan, Republic of China
- Department of Forensic Science, Investigation Bureau, Ministry of Justice, Xindian Dist, New Taipei City 23149, Taiwan, Republic of China
| | - Yu-Syuan Lin
- Department of Chemistry, National Taiwan University, Taipei 10617, Taiwan, Republic of China
| | - Ting-Yueh Chen
- Department of Forensic Science, Investigation Bureau, Ministry of Justice, Xindian Dist, New Taipei City 23149, Taiwan, Republic of China
| | - San-Chong Chyueh
- Department of Forensic Science, Investigation Bureau, Ministry of Justice, Xindian Dist, New Taipei City 23149, Taiwan, Republic of China
| | - Huan-Tsung Chang
- Department of Forensic Science, Investigation Bureau, Ministry of Justice, Xindian Dist, New Taipei City 23149, Taiwan, Republic of China
- Department of Chemistry, Chung Yuan Christian University, Chungli District, Taoyuan City 32023, Taiwan, Republic of China
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14
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Yen YT, Chen TY, Chen CY, Chang CL, Chyueh SC, Chang HT. A Photoluminescent Colorimetric Probe of Bovine Serum Albumin-Stabilized Gold Nanoclusters for New Psychoactive Substances: Cathinone Drugs in Seized Street Samples. SENSORS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2019; 19:E3554. [PMID: 31443204 PMCID: PMC6721205 DOI: 10.3390/s19163554] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2019] [Revised: 08/12/2019] [Accepted: 08/13/2019] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Screening of illicit drugs for new psychoactive substances-namely cathinone-at crime scenes is in high demand. A dual-emission bovine serum albumin-stabilized gold nanoclusters probe was synthesized and used for quantitation and screening of 4-chloromethcathinone and cathinone analogues in an aqueous solution. The photoluminescent (PL) color of the bovine serum albumin-stabilized Au nanoclusters (BSA-Au NCs) probe solution changed from red to dark blue during the identification of cathinone drugs when excited using a portable ultraviolet light-emitting diodes lamp (365 nm). This probe solution allows the PL color-changing point and limit of detection down to 10.0 and 0.14 mM, respectively, for 4-chloromethcathinone. The phenomenon of PL color-changing of BSA-Au NCs was attributed to its PL band at 650 nm, quenching through an electron transfer mechanism. The probe solution was highly specific to cathinone drugs, over other popular illicit drugs, including heroin, cocaine, ketamine, and methamphetamine. The practicality of this BSA-Au NCs probe was assessed by using it to screen illicit drugs seized by law enforcement officers. All 20 actual cases from street and smuggling samples were validated using this BSA-Au NCs probe solution and then confirmed using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. The results reveal this BSA-Au NCs probe solution is practical for screening cathinone drugs at crime scenes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yao-Te Yen
- Department of Forensic Science, Ministry of Justice Investigation Bureau, Xindian District, New Taipei City 23149, Taiwan.
- Department of Chemistry, National Taiwan University, Taipei 10617, Taiwan.
| | - Ting-Yueh Chen
- Department of Forensic Science, Ministry of Justice Investigation Bureau, Xindian District, New Taipei City 23149, Taiwan
| | - Chun-Yu Chen
- Department of Chemistry, National Cheng-Kung University, Tainan 70101, Taiwan
| | - Chi-Lun Chang
- Department of Forensic Science, Ministry of Justice Investigation Bureau, Xindian District, New Taipei City 23149, Taiwan
| | - San-Chong Chyueh
- Department of Forensic Science, Ministry of Justice Investigation Bureau, Xindian District, New Taipei City 23149, Taiwan
| | - Huan-Tsung Chang
- Department of Chemistry, National Taiwan University, Taipei 10617, Taiwan
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15
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Graziano S, Anzillotti L, Mannocchi G, Pichini S, Busardò FP. Screening methods for rapid determination of new psychoactive substances (NPS) in conventional and non-conventional biological matrices. J Pharm Biomed Anal 2018; 163:170-179. [PMID: 30316062 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpba.2018.10.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2018] [Revised: 10/01/2018] [Accepted: 10/03/2018] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
In the last years, a global awareness has arisen from the reported harmful effects and public health risks associated with the consumption of new psychoactive substances (NPSs). Improving efforts in the detection and identification of these substances have emerged as a global analytical challenge involving the large range of NPSs' chemical structures and the variety of conventional and non-conventional biological matrices. Indeed, detection capabilities and screening tools impact many fields and settings, including seized products analysis, workplace and roadside drug controls, emergency rooms, drug addiction treatment clinics, post-mortem and criminal caseworks, law enforcement and health interventions. Colorimetric, immunochemical and chromatographic-mass spectrometry techniques have been investigated and developed for the rapid identification of NPSs. Considering the continuous emergence of new substances, this review offers a panoramic view on the current status of analytical approaches for the rapid screening of NPSs, including, when available, data on conventional and non-conventional biological matrices. Although some of the presented methods are sound and promising, their applications are still limited, thus proving the importance of further investigations. New screening and sensitive targeted methods for NPS and their metabolites should be developed in different types of biological matrices, where concentration of substances and matrix effects can be significantly different.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Graziano
- National Centre on Drug Addiction and Doping, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Luca Anzillotti
- Institute of Legal Medicine, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Italy
| | - Giulio Mannocchi
- Unit of Forensic Toxicology (UoFT), Department of Anatomical, Histological, Forensic and Orthopedic Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Simona Pichini
- National Centre on Drug Addiction and Doping, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Francesco Paolo Busardò
- Section of Legal Medicine, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Via Conca 71, Ancona, Italy.
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de Jong M, Florea A, Vries AMD, van Nuijs ALN, Covaci A, Van Durme F, Martins JC, Samyn N, De Wael K. Levamisole: a Common Adulterant in Cocaine Street Samples Hindering Electrochemical Detection of Cocaine. Anal Chem 2018; 90:5290-5297. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.8b00204] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Mats de Jong
- AXES Research Group, University of Antwerp, Groenenborgerlaan 171, 2020 Antwerp, Belgium
- Drugs and Toxicology Department, National Institute for Criminalistics and Criminology, Vilvoordsesteenweg 100, 1120 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Anca Florea
- AXES Research Group, University of Antwerp, Groenenborgerlaan 171, 2020 Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Anne-Mare de Vries
- NMR and Structure Analysis Group, Ghent University, Krijgslaan 281 S4, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | | | - Adrian Covaci
- Toxicological Center, University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, 2610 Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Filip Van Durme
- Drugs and Toxicology Department, National Institute for Criminalistics and Criminology, Vilvoordsesteenweg 100, 1120 Brussels, Belgium
| | - José C. Martins
- NMR and Structure Analysis Group, Ghent University, Krijgslaan 281 S4, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Nele Samyn
- Drugs and Toxicology Department, National Institute for Criminalistics and Criminology, Vilvoordsesteenweg 100, 1120 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Karolien De Wael
- AXES Research Group, University of Antwerp, Groenenborgerlaan 171, 2020 Antwerp, Belgium
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Moini M. Toward Confirmatory On-Site Real-Time Detection of Emerging Drugs Using Portable Ultrafast Capillary Electrophoresis Mass Spectrometry. Methods Mol Biol 2018; 1810:43-58. [PMID: 29974416 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4939-8579-1_4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Currently, law enforcement agencies rely upon presumptive tests such as color tests (or spot tests) for on-site, real-time identification of forensic evidence, such as controlled substances. These tests are simple and easy to use and require no instrumentation. However, they are unreliable and have a large false positive rate. On the other hand, confirmatory tests are done in analytical laboratories using sophisticated instrumentation by expert analysts, and have lower false positive rates. However, they are bulky and impractical for on-site real-time analysis. To provide more accurate identification of forensic evidence on-site, in real-time, it is important to develop portable confirmatory instrumentation using information-rich technologies. Moreover, because the analysis of controlled substances could be complicated by the existence of various isomers (including optical isomers) it is desirable that the portable instruments have the capability to separate structural and optical isomers of the controlled substances, because scheduling is some times dependent upon which isomer is present. To this end, we have developed a portable ultrafast capillary electrophoresis (UFCE) system for the separation of controlled substances and their structural and optical isomers. The UFCE instrument has an integrated porous tip for facile interfacing with electrospray ionization mass spectrometry. The technique has been successfully applied to the analysis of mixtures of several controlled substances such as amphetamines, cathinones, nor-mephedrone, and pregabalin and their optical isomers in about a minute.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mehdi Moini
- Department of Forensic Sciences, George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA.
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18
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Calvo-Castro J, Guirguis A, Samaras EG, Zloh M, Kirton SB, Stair J. Detection of newly emerging psychoactive substances using Raman spectroscopy and chemometrics. RSC Adv 2018; 8:31924-31933. [PMID: 35547469 PMCID: PMC9085863 DOI: 10.1039/c8ra05847d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2018] [Accepted: 09/06/2018] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
A novel approach for the identification of New Psychoactive Substances (NPS) by means of Raman spectroscopy coupled with Principal Components Analysis (PCA) employing the largest dataset of NPS reference materials to date is reported here. Fifty three NPS were selected as a structurally diverse subset from an original dataset of 478 NPS compounds. The Raman spectral profiles were experimentally acquired for all 53 substances, evaluated using a number of pre-processing techniques, and used to generate a PCA model. The optimum model system used a relatively narrow spectral range (1300–1750 cm−1) and accounted for 37% of the variance in the dataset using the first three principal components, despite the large structural diversity inherent in the NPS subset. Nonetheless, structurally similar NPS (i.e., the synthetic cannabinoids FDU-PB-22 & NM-2201) grouped together in the PCA model based on their Raman spectral profiles, while NPS with different chemical scaffolds (i.e., the benzodiazepine flubromazolam and the cathinone α-PBT) were well delineated, occupying markedly different areas of the three-dimensional scores plot. Classification of NPS based on their Raman spectra (i.e., chemical scaffolds) using the PCA model was further investigated. NPS that were present in the initial dataset of 478 NPS but were not part of the selected 53 training set (validation set) were observed to be closely aligned to structurally similar NPS within the generated model system in all cases. Furthermore, NPS that were not present in the original dataset of 478 NPS (test set) were also shown to group as expected in the model (i.e., methamphetamine and N-ethylamphetamine). This indicates that, for the first time, a model system can be applied to potential ‘unknown’ psychoactive substances, which are new to the market and absent from existing chemical libraries, to identify key structural features to make a preliminary classification. Consequently, it is anticipated that this study will be of interest to the broad scientific audience working with large structurally diverse chemical datasets and particularly to law enforcement agencies and associated scientific analytical bodies worldwide investigating the development of novel identification methodologies for psychoactive substances. A novel approach for the identification of New Psychoactive Substances (NPS) by means of Raman spectroscopy coupled with Principal Components Analysis (PCA) employing the largest dataset of NPS reference materials to date is reported here.![]()
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Affiliation(s)
- Jesus Calvo-Castro
- Department of Pharmacy
- Pharmacology and Postgraduate Medicine
- School of Life and Medical Sciences
- University of Hertfordshire
- Hatfield
| | - Amira Guirguis
- Department of Pharmacy
- Pharmacology and Postgraduate Medicine
- School of Life and Medical Sciences
- University of Hertfordshire
- Hatfield
| | - Eleftherios G. Samaras
- Department of Pharmacy
- Pharmacology and Postgraduate Medicine
- School of Life and Medical Sciences
- University of Hertfordshire
- Hatfield
| | - Mire Zloh
- Department of Pharmacy
- Pharmacology and Postgraduate Medicine
- School of Life and Medical Sciences
- University of Hertfordshire
- Hatfield
| | - Stewart B. Kirton
- Department of Pharmacy
- Pharmacology and Postgraduate Medicine
- School of Life and Medical Sciences
- University of Hertfordshire
- Hatfield
| | - Jacqueline L. Stair
- Department of Pharmacy
- Pharmacology and Postgraduate Medicine
- School of Life and Medical Sciences
- University of Hertfordshire
- Hatfield
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19
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Philp M, Fu S. A review of chemical ‘spot’ tests: A presumptive illicit drug identification technique. Drug Test Anal 2017; 10:95-108. [DOI: 10.1002/dta.2300] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2017] [Revised: 09/05/2017] [Accepted: 09/05/2017] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Morgan Philp
- Centre for Forensic Science, School of Mathematical and Physical Sciences; University of Technology Sydney (UTS); Australia
| | - Shanlin Fu
- Centre for Forensic Science, School of Mathematical and Physical Sciences; University of Technology Sydney (UTS); Australia
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20
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Pereira LS, Lisboa FL, Neto JC, Valladão FN, Sena MM. Direct classification of new psychoactive substances in seized blotter papers by ATR-FTIR and multivariate discriminant analysis. Microchem J 2017. [DOI: 10.1016/j.microc.2017.03.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
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21
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Lozano-Torres B, Pascual L, Bernardos A, Marcos MD, Jeppesen JO, Salinas Y, Martínez-Máñez R, Sancenón F. Pseudorotaxane capped mesoporous silica nanoparticles for 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) detection in water. Chem Commun (Camb) 2017; 53:3559-3562. [DOI: 10.1039/c7cc00186j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
MDMA, a principal ecstasy component, is detected by using pseudorotaxane-capped mesoporous silica nanoparticles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beatriz Lozano-Torres
- Instituto Interuniversitario de Investigación de Reconocimiento Molecular y Desarrollo Tecnológico (IDM). Universitat Politécnica de Valencia
- Universitat de Valencia
- Spain
- Departamento de Química
- Universidad Politécnica de Valencia
| | - Lluís Pascual
- Instituto Interuniversitario de Investigación de Reconocimiento Molecular y Desarrollo Tecnológico (IDM). Universitat Politécnica de Valencia
- Universitat de Valencia
- Spain
- Departamento de Química
- Universidad Politécnica de Valencia
| | - Andrea Bernardos
- Instituto Interuniversitario de Investigación de Reconocimiento Molecular y Desarrollo Tecnológico (IDM). Universitat Politécnica de Valencia
- Universitat de Valencia
- Spain
- Departamento de Química
- Universidad Politécnica de Valencia
| | - María D. Marcos
- Instituto Interuniversitario de Investigación de Reconocimiento Molecular y Desarrollo Tecnológico (IDM). Universitat Politécnica de Valencia
- Universitat de Valencia
- Spain
- Departamento de Química
- Universidad Politécnica de Valencia
| | - Jan O. Jeppesen
- Department of Physics
- Chemistry
- and Pharmacy
- University of Southern Denmark
- Odense M
| | - Yolanda Salinas
- Institute of Polymer Chemistry (ICP)
- Johannes Kepler University Linz
- 4040 Linz
- Austria
| | - Ramón Martínez-Máñez
- Instituto Interuniversitario de Investigación de Reconocimiento Molecular y Desarrollo Tecnológico (IDM). Universitat Politécnica de Valencia
- Universitat de Valencia
- Spain
- Departamento de Química
- Universidad Politécnica de Valencia
| | - Félix Sancenón
- Instituto Interuniversitario de Investigación de Reconocimiento Molecular y Desarrollo Tecnológico (IDM). Universitat Politécnica de Valencia
- Universitat de Valencia
- Spain
- Departamento de Química
- Universidad Politécnica de Valencia
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22
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Development and validation of a presumptive color spot test method for the detection of synthetic cathinones in seized illicit materials. Forensic Chem 2016. [DOI: 10.1016/j.forc.2016.06.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
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