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Che P, Chang C, Buzzini P, Stegemann L, Kool J, Davidson JT, Kohler I. Identification of synthetic cathinone positional isomers using electron activated dissociation mass spectrometry. Anal Chim Acta 2024; 1319:342949. [PMID: 39122291 DOI: 10.1016/j.aca.2024.342949] [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: 04/23/2024] [Revised: 07/05/2024] [Accepted: 07/05/2024] [Indexed: 08/12/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Synthetic cathinones (SCs) are a large category of new psychoactive substances (NPS), which pose a serious threat to public health due to limited information about their toxicology and pharmacology. Many SCs are closely related in their chemical structures, with some substances being positional isomers. In this study, we propose a new workflow for the identification of SC isomers using liquid chromatography-high-resolution tandem mass spectrometry (LC-HRMS2) combined with electron activated dissociation (EAD) and chemometrics. Differentiation between isomeric SCs is essential for both legislative and public safety reasons, since minor differences in their molecular structures may change their legal status and pharmacological profiles. RESULTS The workflow was optimized using ring-substituted isomers of methylmethcathinones, methylethcathinones, and chloromethcathinones. The kinetic energy in the EAD cell was investigated at three levels (i.e., 15, 18, and 20 eV) for each group. Two data analysis methods (i.e., t-distributed stochastic neighbor embedding [t-SNE] and a Random Forest [RF] algorithm) were applied using the obtained EAD mass spectral data. The three sets of ring-substituted SCs were clearly distinguished using t-SNE and an RF algorithm. Moreover, the RF approach resulted in a 97 % classification accuracy for isomer identification using various combinations of compounds, isomers, and electron kinetic energies. This workflow was subsequentially applied to the analysis of 26 blind street samples, resulting in a 92 % classification accuracy for isomer identification. However, the accuracy varied based on the kinetic electron energy. A subset of the original data set, focusing on 15-eV data only, was used, resulting in a classification accuracy of 100 %. SIGNIFICANCE This study presents the first LC-HRMS2 workflow based on EAD and chemometrics, which resulted in a classification accuracy of 100 % of authentic street samples. The developed LC-HRMS2 workflow demonstrates that EAD product ions and their characteristic ion ratios can be successfully used to identify ring-substituted positional isomers of SCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peng Che
- Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam Institute of Molecular and Life Sciences (AIMMS), Department of Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Division of BioAnalytical Chemistry, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Center for Analytical Sciences Amsterdam (CASA), Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Christina Chang
- Sam Houston State University, Department of Forensic Science, Huntsville, TX, USA
| | - Patrick Buzzini
- Sam Houston State University, Department of Forensic Science, Huntsville, TX, USA
| | - Lavinia Stegemann
- Drugs Information and Monitoring System (DIMS), Drug Monitoring and Policy, Trimbos Institute, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Jeroen Kool
- Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam Institute of Molecular and Life Sciences (AIMMS), Department of Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Division of BioAnalytical Chemistry, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Center for Analytical Sciences Amsterdam (CASA), Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - J Tyler Davidson
- Sam Houston State University, Department of Forensic Science, Huntsville, TX, USA.
| | - Isabelle Kohler
- Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam Institute of Molecular and Life Sciences (AIMMS), Department of Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Division of BioAnalytical Chemistry, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Center for Analytical Sciences Amsterdam (CASA), Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Co van Ledden Hulsebosch Center (CLHC), Amsterdam Center for Forensic Science and Medicine, Amsterdam, the Netherlands.
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2
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Yeh YL, Wen CY, Hsieh CL, Chang YH, Wang SM. In vitro metabolic studies and machine learning analysis of mass spectrometry data: A dual strategy for differentiating alpha-pyrrolidinohexiophenone (α-PHP) and alpha-pyrrolidinoisohexanophenone (α-PiHP) in urine analysis. Forensic Sci Int 2024; 361:112134. [PMID: 38996540 DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2024.112134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2024] [Revised: 06/22/2024] [Accepted: 07/01/2024] [Indexed: 07/14/2024]
Abstract
Synthetic cathinones are some of the most prevalent new psychoactive substances (NPSs) globally, with alpha-pyrrolidinoisohexanophenone (α-PiHP) being particularly noted for its widespread use in the United States, Europe, and Taiwan. However, the analysis of isomeric NPSs such as α-PiHP and alpha-pyrrolidinohexiophenone (α-PHP) is challenging owing to similarities in their retention times and mass spectra. This study proposes a dual strategy based on in vitro metabolic experiments and machine learning-based classification modelling for differentiating α-PHP and α-PiHP in urine samples: (1) in vitro metabolic experiments using pooled human liver microsomes and liquid chromatography tandem quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (LC-QTOF-MS) were conducted to identify the key metabolites of α-PHP and α-PiHP from the high-resolution MS/MS spectra. After 5 h incubation, 71.4 % of α-PHP and 64.7 % of α-PiHP remained unmetabolised. Nine phase I metabolites were identified for each compound, including primary β-ketone reduction (M1) metabolites. Comparing the metabolites and retention times confirmed the efficacy of in vitro metabolic experiments for differentiating NPS isomers. Subsequently, analysis of seven real urine samples revealed the presence for various metabolites, including M1, that could be used as suitable detection markers at low concentrations. The aliphatic hydroxylation (M2) metabolite peak counts and metabolite retention times were used to determine α-PiHP use. (2) Classification models for the parent compounds and M1 metabolites were developed using principal component analysis for feature extraction and logistic regression for classification. The training and test sets were devised from the spectra of standard samples or supernatants from in vitro metabolism experiments with different incubation times. Both models had classification accuracies of 100 % and accurately identified α-PiHP and its M1 metabolite in seven real urine samples. The proposed methodology effectively distinguished between such isomers and confirmed their presence at low concentrations. Overall, this study introduces a novel concept that addresses the complexities in analysing isomeric NPSs and suggests a path towards enhancing the accuracy and reliability of NPS detection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ya-Ling Yeh
- Department of Forensic Science, Central Police University, Taoyuan City, Taiwan (ROC); Forensic Science Center, Taoyuan Police Department, Taoyuan City, Taiwan (ROC).
| | - Che-Yen Wen
- Department of Forensic Science, Central Police University, Taoyuan City, Taiwan (ROC)
| | - Chin-Lin Hsieh
- Forensic Science Center, Criminal Investigation Bureau, National Police Agency, Taipei City, Taiwan (ROC)
| | - Yu-Hsiang Chang
- Forensic Science Center, Criminal Investigation Bureau, National Police Agency, Taipei City, Taiwan (ROC)
| | - Sheng-Meng Wang
- Department of Forensic Science, Central Police University, Taoyuan City, Taiwan (ROC).
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3
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Karapakdee P, Wilairat P, Kokpol S, Nolvachai Y, Kulsing C. Data independent acquisition for gas chromatographic MS/MS analysis of volatile compounds. J Chromatogr A 2024; 1714:464527. [PMID: 38056391 DOI: 10.1016/j.chroma.2023.464527] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2023] [Revised: 11/18/2023] [Accepted: 11/21/2023] [Indexed: 12/08/2023]
Abstract
This study presents a novel tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) approach utilizing a data independent acquisition (DIA) concept specifically designed with gas chromatography-electron ionization-triple quadrupole mass spectrometry (GC-EI-QqQMS). This allows compound identification based on comparison between all the experimental MS/MS product ion spectra and the simulated library data of >1,000 MS/MS transitions of 71 compounds. The simulation data were generated by using the Competitive Fragmentation Modeling (CFM-ID) 3.0 program. The approach for calculation of the DIA MS/MS library match scores was then established and applied for identification of a range of terpenoids and oxygenated compounds in perfume. The identity of each peak was confirmed using 4-241 MS/MS transitions. The established data collection and analysis methods are expected to be useful for increased confidence in volatile compound analysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Premkamol Karapakdee
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Chulalongkorn University, 254 Phyathai Road, Wangmai, Pathumwan, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
| | - Prapin Wilairat
- Flow Innovation-Research for Science and Technology Laboratories (Firstlabs), Ratchathewi District, Bangkok 10110, Thailand; Department of Chemistry and Center of Excellence for Innovation in Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Mahidol University, Rama 6 Road, Ratchathewi District, Bangkok 10400, Thailand
| | - Sirirat Kokpol
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Chulalongkorn University, 254 Phyathai Road, Wangmai, Pathumwan, Bangkok 10330, Thailand; Food Research and Testing Laboratory, Faculty of Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
| | - Yada Nolvachai
- CASS Food Research Centre, School of Exercise and Nutritional Sciences, Faculty of Health, Deakin University, Burwood 3125, Victoria, Australia
| | - Chadin Kulsing
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Chulalongkorn University, 254 Phyathai Road, Wangmai, Pathumwan, Bangkok 10330, Thailand; Metabolomics for Life Sciences Research Unit, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand.
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4
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Liliedahl RE, Hutzell E, Haley M, Predecki DP, Davidson JT. The differentiation of N-butyl pentylone isomers using GC-EI-MS and NMR. Forensic Sci Int 2023; 351:111815. [PMID: 37713773 DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2023.111815] [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: 02/25/2023] [Revised: 08/21/2023] [Accepted: 08/29/2023] [Indexed: 09/17/2023]
Abstract
Forensic laboratories are faced with an ever-expanding seized drug landscape including the increasing prevalence of novel psychoactive substances (NPS), such as synthetic cathinones, that have varying potencies and scheduling. This study demonstrates a combined gas chromatography-electron ionization-mass spectrometry (GC-EI-MS) and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy approach for the differentiation of N-butyl pentylone isomers based on distinct retention times, characteristic EI mass spectra, and NMR characterization. Retention time reproducibility was assessed from 60 replicate measurements for each isomer over the course of a month. In addition, the effect of the mass spectrometer tune and the stability of an identified characteristic ion ratio using spectral data from ± 1 scan on either side of the peak apex were also statistically assessed using Welch's ANOVA testing. The presence of diastereomers for N-sec-butyl pentylone was identified using the developed GC-EI-MS method, which was confirmed using one-dimensional and two-dimensional NMR spectroscopy. The retention time reproducibility of the chromatographic method was ± 0.076% or less over the course of a month. An identified characteristic ion ratio between the abundance of the fragment ion at m/z 128 and the fragment ion at m/z 72 enabled the differentiation of the four N-butyl pentylone isomers, even when accounting for the effect of the mass spectrometer tune and mass spectral scans used to calculate the characteristic ion ratio. The 95% confidence interval mean abundance ratio of the fragment ions at m/z 128 and m/z 72 was 17.14 ± 0.14 for N-butyl pentylone, 6.44 ± 0.05 for N-isobutyl pentylone, 3.38 ± 0.02 for N-sec-butyl pentylone, and 0.75 ± 0.01 for N-tert-butyl pentylone. These results highlight the capabilities of a combined GC-EI-MS and NMR approach for the differentiation and characterization of synthetic cathinone isomers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruby E Liliedahl
- Department of Forensic Science, Sam Houston State University, Huntsville, TX, USA
| | - Elise Hutzell
- Department of Chemistry, Shippensburg University, Shippensburg, PA, USA
| | - Madison Haley
- Department of Chemistry, Shippensburg University, Shippensburg, PA, USA
| | - Daniel P Predecki
- Department of Chemistry, Shippensburg University, Shippensburg, PA, USA.
| | - J Tyler Davidson
- Department of Forensic Science, Sam Houston State University, Huntsville, TX, USA.
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5
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Liang Q, Chan YC, Toscano J, Bjorkman KK, Leinwand LA, Parker R, Nozik ES, Nesbitt DJ, Ye J. Breath analysis by ultra-sensitive broadband laser spectroscopy detects SARS-CoV-2 infection. J Breath Res 2023; 17:10.1088/1752-7163/acc6e4. [PMID: 37016829 PMCID: PMC10930087 DOI: 10.1088/1752-7163/acc6e4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2022] [Accepted: 03/23/2023] [Indexed: 04/06/2023]
Abstract
Rapid testing is essential to fighting pandemics such as coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), the disease caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Exhaled human breath contains multiple volatile molecules providing powerful potential for non-invasive diagnosis of diverse medical conditions. We investigated breath detection of SARS-CoV-2 infection using cavity-enhanced direct frequency comb spectroscopy (CE-DFCS), a state-of-the-art laser spectroscopic technique capable of a real-time massive collection of broadband molecular absorption features at ro-vibrational quantum state resolution and at parts-per-trillion volume detection sensitivity. Using a total of 170 individual breath samples (83 positive and 87 negative with SARS-CoV-2 based on reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction tests), we report excellent discrimination capability for SARS-CoV-2 infection with an area under the receiver-operating-characteristics curve of 0.849(4). Our results support the development of CE-DFCS as an alternative, rapid, non-invasive test for COVID-19 and highlight its remarkable potential for optical diagnoses of diverse biological conditions and disease states.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qizhong Liang
- JILA, National Institute of Standards and Technology and University of Colorado, Boulder, CO 80309, United States of America
- Department of Physics, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO 80309, United States of America
| | - Ya-Chu Chan
- JILA, National Institute of Standards and Technology and University of Colorado, Boulder, CO 80309, United States of America
- Department of Chemistry, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO 80309, United States of America
| | - Jutta Toscano
- JILA, National Institute of Standards and Technology and University of Colorado, Boulder, CO 80309, United States of America
- Department of Physics, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO 80309, United States of America
- Present address: Department of Chemistry, University of Basel, Klingelbergstrasse 80, 4056 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Kristen K Bjorkman
- BioFrontiers Institute, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO 80303, United States of America
| | - Leslie A Leinwand
- BioFrontiers Institute, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO 80303, United States of America
- Department of Molecular Cellular and Developmental Biology, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO 80303, United States of America
| | - Roy Parker
- BioFrontiers Institute, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO 80303, United States of America
- Department of Biochemistry and HHMI, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO 80303, United States of America
| | - Eva S Nozik
- Cardiovascular Pulmonary Research Laboratories, Departments of Pediatrics and Medicine, and Division of Pediatric Critical Care Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, United States of America
| | - David J Nesbitt
- JILA, National Institute of Standards and Technology and University of Colorado, Boulder, CO 80309, United States of America
- Department of Physics, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO 80309, United States of America
- Department of Chemistry, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO 80309, United States of America
| | - Jun Ye
- JILA, National Institute of Standards and Technology and University of Colorado, Boulder, CO 80309, United States of America
- Department of Physics, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO 80309, United States of America
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6
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Bonetti JL, Kranenburg RF, Schoonderwoerd E, Samanipour S, van Asten AC. Instrument-independent chemometric models for rapid, calibration-free NPS isomer differentiation from mass spectral GC-MS data. Forensic Sci Int 2023:111650. [PMID: 37028998 DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2023.111650] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2022] [Revised: 02/27/2023] [Accepted: 03/21/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023]
Abstract
Chemometric analysis of mass spectral data for the purpose of differentiating positional isomers of novel psychoactive substances has seen a substantial increase in popularity in recent years. However, the process of generating a large and robust dataset for chemometric isomer identification is time consuming and impractical for forensic laboratories. To begin to address this problem, three sets of ortho/meta/para positional ring isomers (fluoroamphetamine (FA), fluoromethamphetamine (FMA), and methylmethcathinone (MMC)) were analyzed using multiple GC-MS instruments at three distinct laboratories. A diverse assortment of instrument manufacturers, model types, and parameters was utilized in order to incorporate substantial instrumental variation. The dataset was randomly split into 70% training and 30% validation sets, stratified by instrument. Following an approach based on Design of Experiments, the validation set was used to optimize the preprocessing steps performed prior to Linear Discriminant Analysis. Using the optimized model, a minimum m/z fragment threshold was determined to allow analysts to assess whether an unknown spectrum is of sufficient abundance and quality to be compared to the model. To assess the robustness of the models, a test set was developed utilizing two instruments from a fourth laboratory that was not involved in the generation of the primary dataset in addition to spectra from widely used mass spectral libraries. Of the spectra that reached the threshold, the classification accuracy was 100% for all three isomer types. Only two of the test and validation spectra that did not reach the threshold were misclassified. The results indicate that forensic illicit drug experts world-wide can use these models for robust NPS isomer identification on the basis of preprocessed mass spectral data without the need for acquiring reference drug standards and creating instrument specific GC-MS reference datasets. The continued robustness of the models could be ensured through international collaboration to collect data that captures all potential GC-MS instrumental variation encountered in forensic illicit drug analysis laboratories. This would allow every forensic institute to confidently assign isomeric structures without the need for additional chemical analysis.
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7
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Kranenburg RF, Weesepoel Y, Alewijn M, Sap S, Arisz PW, van Esch A, Keizers PH, van Asten AC. Dataset of near-infrared spectral data of illicit-drugs and forensic casework samples analyzed by five portable spectrometers operating in different wavelength ranges. Data Brief 2022; 45:108660. [DOI: 10.1016/j.dib.2022.108660] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2022] [Revised: 09/30/2022] [Accepted: 10/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
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8
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Review of contemporary chemometric strategies applied on preparing GC–MS data in forensic analysis. Microchem J 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.microc.2022.107732] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
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9
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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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Sharp J, Do D, Tyler Davidson J. Assessment of the similarity between in-source collision-induced dissociation (IS-CID) fragment ion spectra and tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) product ion spectra for seized drug identifications. Forensic Chem 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.forc.2022.100441] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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11
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Shamai-Yamin T, Shifrovich A, Madmon M, Belay C, Prihed H, Blanca M, Hindi A, Zafrani Y, Berliner A, Weissberg A. Elucidation of synthetic N-benzyl cathinone structures using chemical derivatization and liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry analysis. Forensic Chem 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.forc.2022.100422] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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Madunil SL, Imasaka T, Imasaka T. Comprehensive Analysis of Analogues of Amine-Related Psychoactive Substances Using Femtosecond Laser Ionization Mass Spectrometry. JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN SOCIETY FOR MASS SPECTROMETRY 2022; 33:90-99. [PMID: 34846136 DOI: 10.1021/jasms.1c00282] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Amine-related psychoactive molecules contain N-Cα and Cα-Cβ bonds, which easily dissociate to form various fragment ions in electron ionization mass spectrometry (EIMS). Therefore, observing a molecular ion and then determining the molecular weight of the analyte is difficult. In this study, we examined phenethylamine, 3,4-methylenedioxyphenethylamine, tryptamine, N-methylephedrine, and nicotine as well as analogues of amine-related psychoactive substances using EIMS and femtosecond laser ionization mass spectrometry (fs-LIMS) combined with gas chromatography for comprehensive analysis. A molecular ion was clearly observed in fs-LIMS for all of these compounds, which was in contrast to EIMS providing fragment ions dominantly (no molecular ion was observed for N-methylephedrine). This favorable result was obtained by adjusting the laser wavelength to the optimal value for two-photon ionization to minimize the excess energy remaining in the molecular ion. It therefore appears that fs-LIMS is superior to EIMS in terms of observing a molecular ion and would be potentially useful for identifying a variety of amine-related psychoactive substances, some of which are illegal and are of interest in the field of forensic science.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siddihalu Lakshitha Madunil
- Faculty of Design, Kyushu University, 4-9-1, Shiobaru, Minami-ku, Fukuoka 815-8540:744 Motooka, Nishi-ku, Fukuoka 819-0395, Japan
| | - Totaro Imasaka
- Kyushu University, 744 Motooka, Nishi-ku, Fukuoka 819-0395, Japan
- Hikari Giken, Co., 2-10-30, Sakurazaka, Chuou-ku, Fukuoka 810-0024, Japan
| | - Tomoko Imasaka
- Faculty of Design, Kyushu University, 4-9-1, Shiobaru, Minami-ku, Fukuoka 815-8540:744 Motooka, Nishi-ku, Fukuoka 819-0395, Japan
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Liliedahl RE, Davidson JT. The differentiation of synthetic cathinone isomers using GC-EI-MS and multivariate analysis. Forensic Chem 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.forc.2021.100349] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
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14
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Pua A, Huang Y, Goh RMV, Ee KH, Tan LP, Cornuz M, Liu SQ, Lassabliere B, Yu B. Combination of solid phase microextraction and low energy electron ionisation gas chromatography-quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry to meet the challenges of flavour analysis. Talanta 2021; 235:122793. [PMID: 34517651 DOI: 10.1016/j.talanta.2021.122793] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2021] [Revised: 08/05/2021] [Accepted: 08/05/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
The flavour analysis of volatile compounds remains challenging not only because of their diversity in properties and dynamic range, but also due to the high background noise from food matrix constituents. To improve sensitivity and specificity for a multiclass range of compounds, a combination of solid phase micro-extraction (SPME) devices and low energy electron ionisation (LE-EI) was proposed for the analysis of 36 volatile compounds, using coffee as a model matrix. From a pre-evaluation of devices and extraction modes, the combined use of direct immersion-stir bar sorptive extraction and headspace-thin-film SPME (SBSE-TFSPME) was selected to increase compound recovery, and further optimised for extraction temperature (88 °C) and time (110 min). Furthermore, to complement sample preparation by improving method specificity, a LE-EI technique was developed by evaluating the effect of ionisation energy, source temperature, and emission current on the formation of the diagnostic molecular ions and their preservation. This LE-EI method (15 eV, 150 °C, 0.3 μA) was validated with SBSE-TFSPME as a complete workflow in coffee matrices, and was found to possess good repeatability (intra-day RSD: 1.6-7.3 %), intermediate precision (inter-day RSD: 4.1-12.2 %), and linearity (R2 > 0.98). Even for complex coffee samples, the method detection limit reached the pg/mL range (e.g. 2,4,5-trimethylthiazole was detected at 15 pg/mL). In conclusion, this study provided insights on the potential of SPME and LE-EI to improve the sensitivity and specificity of analysis for a range of volatile compounds from food and other complex matrices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aileen Pua
- Mane SEA Pte Ltd, 3 Biopolis Drive, #07-17/18/19 Synapse, Singapore 138623; Department of Food Science and Technology, National University of Singapore, S14 Level 5, Science Drive 2, Singapore 117542
| | - Yunle Huang
- Mane SEA Pte Ltd, 3 Biopolis Drive, #07-17/18/19 Synapse, Singapore 138623; Department of Food Science and Technology, National University of Singapore, S14 Level 5, Science Drive 2, Singapore 117542
| | - Rui Min Vivian Goh
- Department of Food Science and Technology, National University of Singapore, S14 Level 5, Science Drive 2, Singapore 117542
| | - Kim-Huey Ee
- Mane SEA Pte Ltd, 3 Biopolis Drive, #07-17/18/19 Synapse, Singapore 138623
| | - Lay Peng Tan
- Agilent Technologies Singapore (Sales) Pte Ltd, 1 Yishun Avenue 7, Singapore 768923
| | - Maurin Cornuz
- Mane SEA Pte Ltd, 3 Biopolis Drive, #07-17/18/19 Synapse, Singapore 138623
| | - Shao Quan Liu
- Department of Food Science and Technology, National University of Singapore, S14 Level 5, Science Drive 2, Singapore 117542.
| | | | - Bin Yu
- Mane SEA Pte Ltd, 3 Biopolis Drive, #07-17/18/19 Synapse, Singapore 138623.
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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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16
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Lee LC, Jemain AA. On overview of PCA application strategy in processing high dimensionality forensic data. Microchem J 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.microc.2021.106608] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
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17
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Moreno-González D, Castilla-Fernández D, Vogel P, Niu G, Brandt S, Drees C, García-Reyes JF, Molina-Díaz A, Franzke J. Evaluation of a novel controlled-atmosphere flexible microtube plasma soft ionization source for the determination of BTEX in olive oil by headspace-gas chromatography/mass spectrometry. Anal Chim Acta 2021; 1179:338835. [PMID: 34535252 DOI: 10.1016/j.aca.2021.338835] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2021] [Revised: 06/28/2021] [Accepted: 07/04/2021] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Although electron impact ionization (EI) remains the standard ionization source for GC-MS, it presents extensive fragmentation as its main limitation. The potential of a novel plasma-based soft ionization source named controlled-atmosphere flexible microtube plasma (CA-FμTP) has been evaluated in this work for the determination of monoaromatic volatile BTEX group (namely benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and o-, m- and p-xylenes) in olive oil, based on headspace technique. The obtained results show an attractive advantage over EI due to no fragmentation was observed. A nitrosated ion [M + NO]+ is obtained as the most abundant species. Thus, the BTEX mass spectrum identification can be carried out without major effort. In general, the sensitivity for CA-FμTP was comparable to those obtained by EI, achieving LODs ranged from 0.6 to 1.0 μg kg-1. The potential usefulness of GC-CA-FμTP-MS for the detection of BTEX was demonstrated by analyzing olive oil samples and identifying traces of these compounds in one sample. Therefore, the proposed plasma-based soft ionization is suitable for BTEX analysis in fatty complex matrixes as olive oil.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Moreno-González
- ISAS-Leibniz-Institut für Analytische Wissenschaften, Dortmund, 44139, Germany; Analytical Chemistry Research Group, Department of Physical and Analytical Chemistry, University of Jaén, 23071, Jaén, Spain.
| | - Delia Castilla-Fernández
- Analytical Chemistry Research Group, Department of Physical and Analytical Chemistry, University of Jaén, 23071, Jaén, Spain
| | - Pascal Vogel
- ISAS-Leibniz-Institut für Analytische Wissenschaften, Dortmund, 44139, Germany
| | - Guanghui Niu
- ISAS-Leibniz-Institut für Analytische Wissenschaften, Dortmund, 44139, Germany
| | - Sebastian Brandt
- ISAS-Leibniz-Institut für Analytische Wissenschaften, Dortmund, 44139, Germany
| | - Carolin Drees
- ISAS-Leibniz-Institut für Analytische Wissenschaften, Dortmund, 44139, Germany
| | - Juan F García-Reyes
- Analytical Chemistry Research Group, Department of Physical and Analytical Chemistry, University of Jaén, 23071, Jaén, Spain
| | - Antonio Molina-Díaz
- Analytical Chemistry Research Group, Department of Physical and Analytical Chemistry, University of Jaén, 23071, Jaén, Spain; Center for Advanced Studies in Olives Grove and Olive Oils (CEAOAO), Science and Technology Park GEOLIT, 23620, Mengíbar, Spain
| | - Joachim Franzke
- ISAS-Leibniz-Institut für Analytische Wissenschaften, Dortmund, 44139, Germany
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18
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Sisco E, Burns A, Moorthy AS. Development and evaluation of a synthetic cathinone targeted gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GC-MS) method. J Forensic Sci 2021; 66:1919-1928. [PMID: 34190349 PMCID: PMC10010760 DOI: 10.1111/1556-4029.14789] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2021] [Revised: 05/14/2021] [Accepted: 06/02/2021] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
To address challenges associated with the increased prevalence of novel psychoactive substances (NPSs), laboratories often adopt new techniques or new methods with the goal of obtaining more detailed chemical information with a higher level of confidence. To demonstrate how new methods applied to existing techniques can be a viable approach, a targeted gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GC-MS) method for synthetic cathinones was developed. To create the method, a range of GC-MS parameters were first investigated using a seven-component test solution with the goal of minimizing compounds with overlapping acceptance windows by maximizing retention time differences within a reasonable runtime. Once developed, the targeted method was evaluated through several studies and was compared to a general GC-MS confirmatory method. The method produced a twofold increase in retention time differences of the test solution compounds with a 3.83-min shorter runtime than the general method. Limitations of the method were also studied by analyzing an additional forty-eight cathinones to identify instances where definitive compound identification may not be possible due to overlapping acceptance windows and mass spectra. Thirty-eight pairs of compounds had retention times differences of less than 2% and, of those thirty-eight, one pair had indistinguishable mass spectra. A set of case samples were also analyzed using the method to evaluate suitability for casework. An increase in split ratio was required to obtain acceptable sensitivity. The development of this method is part of a larger project to measure benefits and drawbacks of different drug chemistry workflows.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edward Sisco
- National Institute of Standards and Technology, Gaithersburg, MD, USA
| | - Amber Burns
- Maryland State Police Forensic Sciences Division, Pikesville, MD, USA
| | - Arun S Moorthy
- National Institute of Standards and Technology, Gaithersburg, MD, USA
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19
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Kranenburg RF, Stuyver LI, de Ridder R, van Beek A, Colmsee E, van Asten AC. Deliberate evasion of narcotic legislation: Trends visualized in commercial mixtures of new psychoactive substances analyzed by GC-solid deposition-FTIR. Forensic Chem 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.forc.2021.100346] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
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20
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Misra BB. Advances in high resolution GC-MS technology: a focus on the application of GC-Orbitrap-MS in metabolomics and exposomics for FAIR practices. ANALYTICAL METHODS : ADVANCING METHODS AND APPLICATIONS 2021; 13:2265-2282. [PMID: 33987631 DOI: 10.1039/d1ay00173f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) provides a complementary analytical platform for capturing volatiles, non-polar and (derivatized) polar metabolites and exposures from a diverse array of matrixes. High resolution (HR) GC-MS as a data generation platform can capture data on analytes that are usually not detectable/quantifiable in liquid chromatography mass-spectrometry-based solutions. With the rise of high-resolution accurate mass (HRAM) GC-MS systems such as GC-Orbitrap-MS in the last decade after the time-of-flight (ToF) renaissance, numerous applications have been found in the fields of metabolomics and exposomics. In a short span of time, a multitude of studies have used GC-Orbitrap-MS to generate exciting new high throughput data spanning from diverse basic to applied research areas. The GC-Orbitrap-MS has found application in both targeted and untargeted efforts for capturing metabolomes and exposomes across diverse studies. In this review, I capture and summarize all the reported studies to date, and provide a snapshot of the milieu of commercial and open-source software solutions, spectral libraries, and informatics solutions available to a GC-Orbitrap-MS system instrument user or a data analyst dealing with these datasets. Lastly, but importantly, I provide an account on data sharing and meta-data capturing solutions that are available to make HRAM GC-MS based metabolomics and exposomics studies findable, accessible, interoperable, and reproducible (FAIR). These FAIR practices would allow data generators and users of GC-HRMS instruments to help the community of GC-MS researchers to collaborate and co-develop exciting tools and algorithms in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Biswapriya B Misra
- Independent Researcher, Pine-211, Raintree Park Dwaraka Krishna, Namburu, AP-522508, India.
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21
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Sauzier G, van Bronswijk W, Lewis SW. Chemometrics in forensic science: approaches and applications. Analyst 2021; 146:2415-2448. [PMID: 33729240 DOI: 10.1039/d1an00082a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Forensic investigations are often reliant on physical evidence to reconstruct events surrounding a crime. However, there remains a need for more objective approaches to evidential interpretation, along with rigorously validated procedures for handling, storage and analysis. Chemometrics has been recognised as a powerful tool within forensic science for interpretation and optimisation of analytical procedures. However, careful consideration must be given to factors such as sampling, validation and underpinning study design. This tutorial review aims to provide an accessible overview of chemometric methods within the context of forensic science. The review begins with an overview of selected chemometric techniques, followed by a broad review of studies demonstrating the utility of chemometrics across various forensic disciplines. The tutorial review ends with the discussion of the challenges and emerging trends in this rapidly growing field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Georgina Sauzier
- School of Molecular and Life Sciences, Curtin University, GPO Box U1987, Perth, Western Australia 6845, Australia.
| | - Wilhelm van Bronswijk
- School of Molecular and Life Sciences, Curtin University, GPO Box U1987, Perth, Western Australia 6845, Australia.
| | - Simon W Lewis
- School of Molecular and Life Sciences, Curtin University, GPO Box U1987, Perth, Western Australia 6845, Australia.
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22
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A critical comparison of vacuum UV (VUV) spectrometer and electron ionization single quadrupole mass spectrometer detectors for the analysis of alkylbenzenes in gasoline by gas chromatography: Experimental and statistical aspects. Talanta 2021; 225:122081. [PMID: 33592794 DOI: 10.1016/j.talanta.2021.122081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2020] [Revised: 12/17/2020] [Accepted: 12/31/2020] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Recent advances in benchtop vacuum ultraviolet (VUV) spectrometers have yielded effective universal detectors for gas chromatography (GC). The ability of these detectors to acquire absorbance spectra from 125 nm to 430 nm poses an alternative to the gold standard of mass spectrometry (MS) as a sensitive and selective GC detector. The applications of GC/VUV extend into many areas. Featured here is the potential application of GC/VUV to the analysis of ignitable liquids, which may be found on debris from suspected arson fires. A particular compound class of interest is the alkylbenzenes, as they are a significant component in fuels such as gasoline, petroleum distillates, and aromatic solvents such as degreasers and cleaning solvents. To measure the sensitivity, selectivity and specificity of GC-VUV and GC-MS for alkylbenzenes we employed both library search methods and chemometric analysis using discriminant analysis. The GC-VUV detector was found to have superior specificity to the GC-MS detector in full scan mode. The GC-VUV detector was able to identify all alkylbenzenes correctly, including the correct identification of all structural isomers. LODs for both GC-VUV and GC-MS were found to be picograms on column.
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23
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Kranenburg RF, Lukken CK, Schoenmakers PJ, van Asten AC. Spotting isomer mixtures in forensic illicit drug casework with GC-VUV using automated coelution detection and spectral deconvolution. J Chromatogr B Analyt Technol Biomed Life Sci 2021; 1173:122675. [PMID: 33848800 DOI: 10.1016/j.jchromb.2021.122675] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2021] [Revised: 03/18/2021] [Accepted: 03/20/2021] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Analysis of isomeric mixtures is a significant analytical challenge. In the forensic field, for example, over 1000 new psychoactive substances (NPSs), comprising of many closely related and often isomeric varieties, entered the drugs-of-abuse market within the last decade. Unambiguous identification of the isomeric form requires advanced spectroscopic techniques, such as GC-Vacuum Ultraviolet Spectroscopy (GC-VUV). The continuous development of NPSs makes the appearance of a novel compound in case samples a realistic scenario. While several analytical solutions have been presented recently to confidently distinguish NPS isomers, the presence of multiple isomers in a single drug sample is typically not considered. Due to their structural similarities it is possible that a novel NPS coelutes with a known isomer and thus remains undetected. This study investigates the capabilities of VUV spectral deconvolution for peak detection and identification in incompletely resolved drug mixtures. To mimic worst case scenarios, severe coelution was deliberately induced at elevated GC temperatures. The deconvolution software was nevertheless able to correctly detect both substances, even in case of near-identical VUV spectra at almost full coelution. As a next step, spectra were subsequently removed from the reference library to simulate the scenario in which a novel substance was encountered for the first time in forensic case work. However, also in this situation the deconvolution software still detected the coelution. This work shows that a VUV library match score below 0.998 may serve as a warning that a novel substance may be present in a street sample.
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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, PO Box 94157, Amsterdam 1090 GD, the Netherlands.
| | - Chris K Lukken
- Dutch National Police, Unit Amsterdam, Forensic Laboratory, Kabelweg 25, Amsterdam 1014 BA, the Netherlands; Van 't Hoff Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Amsterdam, PO Box 94157, Amsterdam 1090 GD, the Netherlands
| | - Peter J Schoenmakers
- Van 't Hoff Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Amsterdam, PO Box 94157, Amsterdam 1090 GD, the Netherlands
| | - Arian C van Asten
- Van 't Hoff Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Amsterdam, PO Box 94157, Amsterdam 1090 GD, the Netherlands; Co van Ledden Hulsebosch Center (CLHC), Amsterdam Center for Forensic Science and Medicine, PO Box 94157, Amsterdam 1090 GD, the Netherlands
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24
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Frison G, Zancanaro F, Frasson S, Quadretti L, Agnati M, Vlassich F, Gagliardi G, Salerno TMG, Donato P, Mondello L. Analytical Characterization of 3-MeO-PCP and 3-MMC in Seized Products and Biosamples: The Role of LC-HRAM-Orbitrap-MS and Solid Deposition GC-FTIR. Front Chem 2021; 8:618339. [PMID: 33628763 PMCID: PMC7897676 DOI: 10.3389/fchem.2020.618339] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2020] [Accepted: 12/22/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Among the phencyclidine (PCP) and synthetic cathinone analogs present on the street market, 3-methoxyphencyclidine (3-MeO-PCP) is one of the most popular dissociative hallucinogen drugs, while 3-methylmethcathinone (3-MMC) is a commonly encountered psychostimulant. Numerous 3-MeO-PCP- and 3-MMC-related intoxication cases have been reported worldwide. Identification of the positional isomers of MeO-PCP and MMC families are particularly challenging for clinical and forensic laboratories; this is mostly due to their difficult chromatographic separation (particularly when using liquid chromatography–LC) and similar mass spectrometric behaviors. 3-MeO-PCP and 3-MMC were identified in two powders, detained by two subjects and seized by the police, by different analytical techniques, including liquid chromatography-high-resolution accurate-mass Orbitrap mass spectrometry (LC-HRAM-Orbitrap-MS), and solid deposition gas chromatography-Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (sd-GC-FTIR). LC-HRAM-Orbitrap-MS allowed us to assign the elemental formulae C18H27NO (MeO-PCP) and C11H15NO (MMC) through accurate mass measurement of the two MH+ ions, and the comparison of experimental and calculated MH+ isotopic patterns. However, MH+ collision-induced product ions spectra were not conclusive in discriminating between the positional isomers [(3-MeO-PCP vs. 4-MeO-PCP) and (3-MMC vs. 4-MMC and 2-MMC)]. Likewise, sd-GC-FTIR easily allowed us to differentiate between the MeO-PCP and MMC positional isomers unambiguously, confirming the presence of 3-MeO-PCP and 3-MMC, due to the high-quality match factor of the experimental FTIR spectra against the target FTIR spectra of MeO-PCP and MMC isomers in a dedicated library. 3-MeO-PCP (in contrast to 3-MMC) was also detected in blood and urine samples of both subjects and analyzed in the context of routine forensic casework by LC-HRAM-Orbitrap-MS following a simple deproteinization step. In addition, this untargeted approach allowed us to detect dozens of phase I and phase II 3-MeO-PCP metabolites in all biological specimens. Analysis of the extracted samples by sd-GC-FTIR revealed the presence of 3-MeO-PCP, thus confirming the intake of such specific methoxy-PCP isomer in both cases. These results highlight the effectiveness of LC-HRAM-Orbitrap-MS and sd-GC-FTIR data in attaining full structural characterization of the psychoactive drugs, even in absence of reference standards, in both non-biological and biological specimens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giampietro Frison
- Laboratory of Environmental Hygiene and Forensic Toxicology, DMPO Department, AULSS 3, Venice, Italy
| | - Flavio Zancanaro
- Laboratory of Environmental Hygiene and Forensic Toxicology, DMPO Department, AULSS 3, Venice, Italy
| | - Samuela Frasson
- Laboratory of Environmental Hygiene and Forensic Toxicology, DMPO Department, AULSS 3, Venice, Italy
| | - Laura Quadretti
- Emergency Department Unit, Madonna della Salute Hospital, AULSS 5, Porto Viro (Rovigo), Italy
| | - Michele Agnati
- Emergency Department Unit, Madonna della Salute Hospital, AULSS 5, Porto Viro (Rovigo), Italy
| | - Francesca Vlassich
- Intensive Care Unit, Madonna della Salute Hospital, AULSS 5, Porto Viro (Rovigo), Italy
| | - Giuseppe Gagliardi
- Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care, AULSS 5, Porto Viro (Rovigo), Italy
| | - Tania Maria Grazia Salerno
- BeSep S.r.l., c/o Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Paola Donato
- Department of Biomedical, Dental, Morphological and Functional Imaging Sciences, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Luigi Mondello
- BeSep S.r.l., c/o Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, Messina, Italy.,Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, Messina, Italy.,Chromaleont S.r.l., c/o Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, Messina, Italy.,Research Unit of Food Science and Nutrition, Department of Science and Technology for Humans and the Environment, Campus Bio-Medico University of Rome, Rome, Italy
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25
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Murakami T, Sakamoto Y, Sugimura N, Minami E, Iwamuro Y, Ishimaru R, Chinaka S, Hasegawa H. Regioisomer Differentiation of Ring-Substituted Chloromethcathinones and Bromomethcathinones Using Gas Chromatography/Electron Ionization-Triple Quadrupole Energy-Resolved Mass Spectrometry. JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN SOCIETY FOR MASS SPECTROMETRY 2021; 32:601-605. [PMID: 33284010 DOI: 10.1021/jasms.0c00358] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Positional isomers o-, m-, and p-chloromethcathinones (CMCs) and m- and p-bromomethcathinones (BMCs) were effectively differentiated using gas chromatography (GC) and energy-resolved mass spectrometry (ERMS) analyses. GC demonstrated that the free bases of CMC and BMC isomers were simultaneously baseline-separated at a slow column heating rate (5 °C/min) using a conventional low-polar capillary column. ERMS showed that the trifluoroacetyl derivatives of the positional isomers differed in mass spectral abundances of both halophenyl and halobenzoyl cations. Moreover, the logarithmic plots of the abundance ratio of the two cations as a function of the collision energy (CE) exhibited marked differences among the isomers at each CE, following the order of ortho < para < meta for CMCs and para < meta for BMCs. The performed theoretical calculations of dissociation energy agreed well with the ERMS measurements. The GC and ERMS methodologies enabled unambiguous and reliable differentiation of CMC and BMC isomers. The developed approach is expected to significantly contribute to the accurate structural identification of new psychoactive substances in forensic, toxicological, and clinical fields.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takaya Murakami
- Forensic Science Laboratory, Ishikawa Prefectural Police Headquarters, 1-1 Kuratsuki, Kanazawa 920-8553, Japan
- Institute of Science and Engineering, Kanazawa University, Kakuma, Kanazawa 920-1192, Japan
| | - Yuki Sakamoto
- Shimadzu Corporation, 1 Nishinokyo Kuwabara-cho, Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto 604-8511, Japan
| | - Natsuhiko Sugimura
- Materials Characterization Central Laboratory, Waseda University, 3-4-1 Ohkubo, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 169-8555, Japan
| | - Eriko Minami
- Forensic Science Laboratory, Ishikawa Prefectural Police Headquarters, 1-1 Kuratsuki, Kanazawa 920-8553, Japan
| | - Yoshiaki Iwamuro
- Forensic Science Laboratory, Ishikawa Prefectural Police Headquarters, 1-1 Kuratsuki, Kanazawa 920-8553, Japan
| | - Reiko Ishimaru
- Forensic Science Laboratory, Ishikawa Prefectural Police Headquarters, 1-1 Kuratsuki, Kanazawa 920-8553, Japan
| | - Satoshi Chinaka
- Forensic Science Laboratory, Ishikawa Prefectural Police Headquarters, 1-1 Kuratsuki, Kanazawa 920-8553, Japan
- Department of Forensic Medicine and Pathology, Kanazawa University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, 13-1 Takara-machi, Kanazawa 920-8640, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Hasegawa
- Institute of Science and Engineering, Kanazawa University, Kakuma, Kanazawa 920-1192, Japan
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26
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W De Silva I, Couch AN, Verbeck GF. Paper Spray Mass Spectrometry Utilized with a Synthetic Microporous Polyolefin Silica Matrix Substrate in the Rapid Detection and Identification of More than 190 Synthetic Fentanyl Analogs. JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN SOCIETY FOR MASS SPECTROMETRY 2021; 32:420-428. [PMID: 33296202 DOI: 10.1021/jasms.0c00250] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Fentanyl and its related synthetic analogs have recently become more readily available as a growing threat to public safety, such as pain relief and anesthetics. Sources of fentanyl are more likely to be illicitly manufactured than pharmaceutically manufactured and are often laced with other opioids, which ultimately increases the potency of fentanyl and results in an increased number of overdose deaths. The methods used to detect these compounds safely and quickly are of high interest due to their extreme potency. This study investigates the use of paper spray mass spectrometry (PS-MS), which is a simple atmospheric ionization process that can be used as a rapid study (60 s) with limited sample preparation and sample handling. PS-MS can be utilized with a synthetic microporous polyolefin silica matrix substrate, known as Teslin, which is manufactured by PPG Industries. The main characteristic of paper spray ionization with the Teslin substrate is the hydrophobicity, which is useful for a fast and direct analysis requiring only 1 μg of the sample. The application of this novel synthetic substrate to PS-MS has been illustrated with a fentanyl analog screening kit (FAS Kit), which was designed by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) for the screening of 212 evolving synthetic opioids, including more than 190 fentanyl analogs. The comparable fragmentation with precursor molecule mass data from this study can be useful in improving the accurate detection and structural characterization of complex samples with a minimum interference of the isobaric components.
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Affiliation(s)
- Imesha W De Silva
- Department of Chemistry, University of North Texas, Denton, Texas 76201, United States
| | - Alleigh Nicole Couch
- Department of Chemistry, University of North Texas, Denton, Texas 76201, United States
| | - Guido F Verbeck
- Department of Chemistry, University of North Texas, Denton, Texas 76201, United States
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Tanen JL, Lurie IS, Marginean I. Gas chromatography with dual cold electron ionization mass spectrometry and vacuum ultraviolet detection for the analysis of phenylethylamine analogues. Forensic Chem 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.forc.2020.100281] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
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28
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Gilbert N, Mewis RE, Sutcliffe OB. Classification of fentanyl analogues through principal component analysis (PCA) and hierarchical clustering of GC–MS data. Forensic Chem 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.forc.2020.100287] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
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29
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Stellpflug SJ, Cole JB, Greller HA. Urine Drug Screens in the Emergency Department: The Best Test May Be No Test at All. J Emerg Nurs 2020; 46:923-931. [PMID: 32843202 DOI: 10.1016/j.jen.2020.06.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2020] [Revised: 05/11/2020] [Accepted: 06/03/2020] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
The manuscript purpose is to provide a resource for clinicians on the functionality and pitfalls of the rapid urine drug screen for clinical decision making. Many providers remain under-informed about the inherent inaccuracies. The rapid urine drug screen is the first, and often only, step of drug testing. In the majority of emergency departments the urine drug screen is a collection of immunoassays reliant on an interaction between the structure of a particular drug or metabolite and an antibody. Drugs in separate pharmacologic classes often have enough structural similarity to cause false positives. Conversely, drugs within the same pharmacologic class often have different enough structures that they may result in inappropriate negatives. This lack of sensitivity and specificity significantly reduces the test utility, and may cause decision-making confusion. The timing of the drug screen relative to the drug exposure also limits accuracy, as does detection threshold. Confirmatory steps following the initial immunoassay include chromatography and/or mass spectrometry. These are unavailable at many institutions and results rarely return while the patient is in the emergency department. In addition, institutional capabilities vary, even with confirmatory testing. Confirmation accuracy depends on a number of factors, including the extent of the catalog of drugs/metabolites that the facility is calibrated to detect and report. In summary, the standard emergency department urine drug screen is a test with extremely limited clinical utility with multiple properties contributing to poor sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy. The test should be used rarely, if ever, for clinical decision making.
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30
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Stuhmer EL, McGuffin VL, Waddell Smith R. Discrimination of seized drug positional isomers based on statistical comparison of electron-ionization mass spectra. Forensic Chem 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.forc.2020.100261] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
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31
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Kranenburg RF, Verduin J, Stuyver LI, de Ridder R, van Beek A, Colmsee E, van Asten AC. Benefits of derivatization in GC–MS-based identification of new psychoactive substances. Forensic Chem 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.forc.2020.100273] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
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Kranenburg RF, Verduin J, Weesepoel Y, Alewijn M, Heerschop M, Koomen G, Keizers P, Bakker F, Wallace F, van Esch A, Hulsbergen A, van Asten AC. Rapid and robust on-scene detection of cocaine in street samples using a handheld near-infrared spectrometer and machine learning algorithms. Drug Test Anal 2020; 12:1404-1418. [PMID: 32638519 PMCID: PMC7590077 DOI: 10.1002/dta.2895] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2020] [Revised: 07/03/2020] [Accepted: 07/06/2020] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
On‐scene drug detection is an increasingly significant challenge due to the fast‐changing drug market as well as the risk of exposure to potent drug substances. Conventional colorimetric cocaine tests involve handling of the unknown material and are prone to false‐positive reactions on common pharmaceuticals used as cutting agents. This study demonstrates the novel application of 740–1070 nm small‐wavelength‐range near‐infrared (NIR) spectroscopy to confidently detect cocaine in case samples. Multistage machine learning algorithms are used to exploit the limited spectral features and predict not only the presence of cocaine but also the concentration and sample composition. A model based on more than 10,000 spectra from case samples yielded 97% true‐positive and 98% true‐negative results. The practical applicability is shown in more than 100 case samples not included in the model design. One of the most exciting aspects of this on‐scene approach is that the model can almost instantly adapt to changes in the illicit‐drug market by updating metadata with results from subsequent confirmatory laboratory analyses. These results demonstrate that advanced machine learning strategies applied on limited‐range NIR spectra from economic handheld sensors can be a valuable procedure for rapid on‐site detection of illicit substances by investigating officers. In addition to forensics, this interesting approach could be beneficial for screening and classification applications in the pharmaceutical, food‐safety, and environmental domains.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruben F Kranenburg
- Dutch National Police, Unit Amsterdam, Forensic Laboratory, Amsterdam, the Netherlands.,Van't Hoff Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Joshka Verduin
- Dutch National Police, Unit Amsterdam, Forensic Laboratory, Amsterdam, the Netherlands.,Van't Hoff Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Yannick Weesepoel
- Wageningen Food Safety Research part of Wageningen University and Research, Wageningen, the Netherlands
| | - Martin Alewijn
- Wageningen Food Safety Research part of Wageningen University and Research, Wageningen, the Netherlands
| | | | - Ger Koomen
- Dutch Customs Laboratory, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Peter Keizers
- National Institute of Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), Bilthoven, the Netherlands
| | - Frank Bakker
- National Institute of Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), Bilthoven, the Netherlands
| | - Fionn Wallace
- Netherlands Forensic Institute (NFI), Den Haag, the Netherlands
| | | | | | - Arian C van Asten
- Van't Hoff Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands.,Co van Ledden Hulsebosch Center (CLHC), Amsterdam Center for Forensic Science and Medicine, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
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Kranenburg RF, van Geenen FAMG, Berden G, Oomens J, Martens J, van Asten AC. Mass-Spectrometry-Based Identification of Synthetic Drug Isomers Using Infrared Ion Spectroscopy. Anal Chem 2020; 92:7282-7288. [PMID: 32286052 PMCID: PMC7240807 DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.0c00915] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/29/2020] [Accepted: 04/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Infrared ion spectroscopy (IRIS), a mass-spectrometry-based technique exploiting resonant infrared multiple photon dissociation (IRMPD), has been applied for the identification of novel psychoactive substances (NPS). Identification of the precise isomeric forms of NPS is of significant forensic relevance since legal controls are dependent on even minor molecular differences such as a single ring-substituent position. Using three isomers of fluoroamphetamine and two ring-isomers of both MDA and MDMA, we demonstrate the ability of IRIS to distinguish closely related NPS. Computationally predicted infrared (IR) spectra are shown to correspond with experimental spectra and could explain the molecular origins of their distinctive IR absorption bands. IRIS was then used to investigate a confiscated street sample containing two unknown substances. One substance could easily be identified by comparison to the IR spectra of reference standards. For the other substance, however, this approach proved inconclusive due to incomplete mass spectral databases as well as a lack of available reference compounds, two common analytical limitations resulting from the rapid development of NPS. Most excitingly, the second unknown substance could nevertheless be identified by using computationally predicted IR spectra of several potential candidate structures instead of their experimental reference spectra.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruben F. Kranenburg
- Unit
Amsterdam, Forensic Laboratory, Dutch National
Police, Kabelweg 25, Amsterdam 1014 BA, The Netherlands
- Van’t
Hoff Institute for Molecular Sciences, University
of Amsterdam, P.O. Box 94157, Amsterdam 1090 GD, The
Netherlands
| | - Fred A. M. G. van Geenen
- Institute
for Molecules and Materials, FELIX Laboratory, Radboud University, Toernooiveld 7, Nijmegen 6525 ED, The Netherlands
| | - Giel Berden
- Institute
for Molecules and Materials, FELIX Laboratory, Radboud University, Toernooiveld 7, Nijmegen 6525 ED, The Netherlands
| | - Jos Oomens
- Van’t
Hoff Institute for Molecular Sciences, University
of Amsterdam, P.O. Box 94157, Amsterdam 1090 GD, The
Netherlands
- Institute
for Molecules and Materials, FELIX Laboratory, Radboud University, Toernooiveld 7, Nijmegen 6525 ED, The Netherlands
| | - Jonathan Martens
- Institute
for Molecules and Materials, FELIX Laboratory, Radboud University, Toernooiveld 7, Nijmegen 6525 ED, The Netherlands
| | - Arian C. van Asten
- Van’t
Hoff Institute for Molecular Sciences, University
of Amsterdam, P.O. Box 94157, Amsterdam 1090 GD, The
Netherlands
- Co
van Ledden Hulsebosch Center (CLHC), Amsterdam Center for Forensic
Science and Medicine, P.O. Box 94157, Amsterdam 1090 GD, The
Netherlands
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