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Diniz MCC, de Moura F, Machado Y, Coelho Neto J, Piccin E. A simple, quick and non-destructive approach for sampling drugs of abuse in tablets and blotter for qualitative analysis by paper spray mass spectrometry. ANALYTICAL METHODS : ADVANCING METHODS AND APPLICATIONS 2023; 15:6259-6265. [PMID: 37955245 DOI: 10.1039/d3ay01393f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2023]
Abstract
This study presents the development of a simple, fast, and inexpensive approach for the direct analysis of new psychoactive substances (NPS) in seized tablets and blotter paper, with improved sample preservation and increased analytical frequency. Paper triangles were gently rubbed against the surface of the samples containing synthetic drugs and then subjected to analysis by paper spray ionization mass spectrometry (PS-MS). Seized samples containing lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) and several other substances from the classes of amphetamines, N-benzyl-substituted phenethylamines, synthetic cathinones, and synthetic cannabinoids, were analysed. Three types of paper were tested (filter paper, blotter paper, and synthetic paper) and several combinations of spray solvents were studied for the optimization. All samples were weighed and photographed before and after sequences of analysis in order to attest to the sample preservation. The results revealed that the approach is excellent for sample preservation, with less than 5% of mass loss even after 27 consecutive analyses. Moreover, no significant signal decreases were observed in mass spectrometry (MS) even after the experiments. It was possible to unequivocally identify illicit substances from seized samples (pills and blotter paper). By overcoming the solubilization and wet extraction process used for sample preparation, the waste was restricted to a volume of only 10 μL of solvent for the PS-MS analysis. The main advantage of our approach over existing methods is the sample preparation, which is simple and quick since the samples are just rubbed against the PS paper. This brings enormous benefits in terms of analytical frequency, economy of time and low consumption of solvents. Another important point is that the sample can remain intact for further analysis, which is crucial in forensic analysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariana C C Diniz
- Departamento de Química, Instituto de Ciências Exatas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Antônio Carlos Ave., 6627, CEP 31270-901, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Fabiana de Moura
- Departamento de Química, Instituto de Ciências Exatas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Antônio Carlos Ave., 6627, CEP 31270-901, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
- Departamento de Química, Centro Federal de Educação Tecnológica de Minas Gerais, Amazonas Ave., 5253, CEP 30421-169, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Yuri Machado
- Seção Técnica de Física e Química Legal, Divisão de Laboratórios, Instituto de Criminalística, Superintendência de Polícia Técnico-Científica, Polícia Civil de Minas Gerais, Augusto de Lima Ave., 1833, CEP 30110-017, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil.
| | - José Coelho Neto
- Seção Técnica de Física e Química Legal, Divisão de Laboratórios, Instituto de Criminalística, Superintendência de Polícia Técnico-Científica, Polícia Civil de Minas Gerais, Augusto de Lima Ave., 1833, CEP 30110-017, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil.
- Departamento de Física, Instituto de Ciências Exatas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Antônio Carlos Ave., 6627, CEP 31270-901, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Evandro Piccin
- Departamento de Química, Instituto de Ciências Exatas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Antônio Carlos Ave., 6627, CEP 31270-901, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
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Macedo AA, Arantes LC, Pimentel DM, de Deus Melo T, Magalhães de Almeida Melo L, Alves de Barros W, Rocha CM, de Fátima Â, Pio Dos Santos WT. Comprehensive detection of lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) in forensic samples using carbon nanotube screen-printed electrodes. ANALYTICAL METHODS : ADVANCING METHODS AND APPLICATIONS 2023; 15:5837-5845. [PMID: 37874181 DOI: 10.1039/d3ay01385e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2023]
Abstract
Lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) is a prevalent psychoactive substance recognized for its hallucinogenic properties, often encountered in blotter papers for illicit consumption. Given that LSD ranks among the most widely abused illicit drugs globally, its prompt identification in seized samples is vital for forensic investigations. This study presents, for the first time, an electrochemical screening method for detecting LSD in forensic samples, utilizing a multi-wall carbon nanotube screen-printed electrode (SPE-MWCNT). The LSD detection process was optimized on SPE-MWCNT in a phosphate buffer solution (0.1 mol L-1, pH 12.0) using square wave voltammetry (SWV). The combined use of SPE-MWCNT with SWV displayed robust stability in electrochemical responses for both qualitative (peak potential) and quantitative (peak current) LSD assessment, with a relative standard deviation (RSD) of less than 5% across the same or different electrodes (N = 3). A linear detection range was established between 0.16 and 40.0 μmol L-1 (R2 = 0.998), featuring a low limit of detection (LOD) of 0.05 μmol L-1. Interference studies with twenty-three other substances, including groups of phenethylamines typically found in blotting papers (e.g., NBOHs and NBOMes) and traditional illicit drugs, were performed, revealing a highly selective response for LSD using the proposed method. Consequently, the integration of SPE-MWCNT with SWV offers a robust tool for qualitative and quantitative LSD analysis in forensic applications, providing rapid, sensitive, selective, reproducible, and straightforward preliminary identification in seized samples.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne Alves Macedo
- Departamento de Química, Universidade Federal dos Vales do Jequitinhonha e Mucuri, Campus JK, Diamantina, 39100000, Minas Gerais, Brazil.
| | - Luciano C Arantes
- Laboratório de Química e Física Forense, Instituto de Criminalística, Polícia Civil do Distrito Federal, 70610-907, Brasília, Distrito Federal, Brazil
| | - Dilton Martins Pimentel
- Laboratório Integrado de Pesquisas do Vale do Jequitinhonha, Pró-Reitoria de Pesquisa e Pós-Graduação, Universidade Federal dos Vales do Jequitinhonha e Mucuri, CampusJK, 39100000 Diamantina, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Tifany de Deus Melo
- Departamento de Farmácia, Universidade Federal dos Vales do Jequitinhonha e Mucuri, Campus JK, 39100000, Diamantina, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Larissa Magalhães de Almeida Melo
- Departamento de Química, Universidade Federal dos Vales do Jequitinhonha e Mucuri, Campus JK, Diamantina, 39100000, Minas Gerais, Brazil.
| | - Wellington Alves de Barros
- Departamento de Química, Instituto de Ciências Exatas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, 31270-901, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Cláudia Mancilha Rocha
- Departamento de Química, Instituto de Ciências Exatas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, 31270-901, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Ângelo de Fátima
- Departamento de Química, Instituto de Ciências Exatas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, 31270-901, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Wallans Torres Pio Dos Santos
- Departamento de Química, Universidade Federal dos Vales do Jequitinhonha e Mucuri, Campus JK, Diamantina, 39100000, Minas Gerais, Brazil.
- Laboratório Integrado de Pesquisas do Vale do Jequitinhonha, Pró-Reitoria de Pesquisa e Pós-Graduação, Universidade Federal dos Vales do Jequitinhonha e Mucuri, CampusJK, 39100000 Diamantina, Minas Gerais, Brazil
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Determination of new psychoactive substances and other drugs in postmortem blood and urine by UHPLC–MS/MS: method validation and analysis of forensic samples. Forensic Toxicol 2021; 40:88-101. [DOI: 10.1007/s11419-021-00600-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2021] [Accepted: 09/22/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
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da Cunha KF, Oliveira KD, Cardoso MS, Arantes ACF, Coser PHP, Lima LDN, Maluf ACS, Comis MADC, Huestis MA, Costa JL. Prevalence of new psychoactive substances (NPS) in Brazil based on oral fluid analysis of samples collected at electronic music festivals and parties. Drug Alcohol Depend 2021; 227:108962. [PMID: 34461412 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2021.108962] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2021] [Revised: 06/15/2021] [Accepted: 07/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND New psychoactive substances (NPS) use is a worldwide public health issue. Knowing the prevalence of NPS guides public health and legal policies to address the problem. The objective of this study was to identify NPS in Brazil through the analysis of oral fluid (OF) samples collected at parties and electronic music festivals. METHODS Anonymous questionnaires and oral fluid samples were collected from volunteers (≥18 years) who reported the consumption of at least one illicit psychoactive substance in the last 24 h. Oral fluid sample collections occurred at eleven parties and two electronic music festivals over 16 months (2018-2020). Questionnaire answers were matched to oral fluid toxicological results. RESULTS Of 462 oral fluid samples, 39.2 % were positive for at least one NPS by liquid chromatography‒tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). The most prevalent NPS was ketamine (29.4 %), followed by methylone (6.1 %) and N-ethylpentylone (4.1 %); however, MDMA was the most commonly identified (88.5 %) illicit psychoactive substance. More than one drug was identified in 79.9 % of samples, with two (34.2 %) and three (23.4 %) substances most commonly observed. Only 5 % of volunteers reported recent NPS consumption. CONCLUSION MDMA is still the most common party and electronic music festival drug, although NPS were identified in more than one-third of oral fluid samples.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelly Francisco da Cunha
- Campinas Poison Control Center, University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, SP, 13083-859, Brazil; Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, SP, 13083-859, Brazil
| | - Karina Diniz Oliveira
- Campinas Poison Control Center, University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, SP, 13083-859, Brazil; Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, SP, 13083-859, Brazil
| | - Marilia Santoro Cardoso
- Campinas Poison Control Center, University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, SP, 13083-859, Brazil; Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, SP, 13083-859, Brazil
| | - Ana Carolina Furiozo Arantes
- Campinas Poison Control Center, University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, SP, 13083-859, Brazil; Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, SP, 13083-859, Brazil
| | | | - Lucas de Noronha Lima
- Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, SP, 13083-859, Brazil
| | - Ana Cristhina Sampaio Maluf
- Campinas Poison Control Center, University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, SP, 13083-859, Brazil; Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, SP, 13083-859, Brazil; ResPire Harm Reduction Project, Centro de Convivência É de Lei, São Paulo, SP, 01019-020, Brazil
| | | | - Marilyn A Huestis
- Institute of Emerging Health Professions, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Jose Luiz Costa
- Campinas Poison Control Center, University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, SP, 13083-859, Brazil; Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, SP, 13083-859, Brazil.
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Determinations of new psychoactive substances in biological matrices with focus on microextraction techniques: a review of fundamentals and state-of-the-art extraction methods. Forensic Toxicol 2021. [DOI: 10.1007/s11419-021-00582-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
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Tettey JNA, Crean C, Rodrigues J, Angeline Yap TW, Lee Wendy Lim J, Shirley Lee HZ, Ching M. United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime: Recommended methods for the Identification and Analysis of Synthetic Cannabinoid Receptor Agonists in Seized Materials. Forensic Sci Int Synerg 2021; 3:100129. [PMID: 33665591 PMCID: PMC7902557 DOI: 10.1016/j.fsisyn.2020.11.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Justice N A Tettey
- Laboratory and Scientific Services, United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, Vienna, Austria
| | - Conor Crean
- United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, Vienna, Austria
| | - Joao Rodrigues
- United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, Vienna, Austria
| | | | | | | | - Mei Ching
- Health Sciences Authority, Singapore
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Meira VL, de Oliveira AS, Cohen LSA, de A Bhering C, de Oliveira KM, de Siqueira DS, de Oliveira MAM, Aquino Neto FRD, Vanini G. Chemical and statistical analyses of blotter paper matrix drugs seized in the State of Rio de Janeiro. Forensic Sci Int 2020; 318:110588. [PMID: 33278694 DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2020.110588] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2020] [Revised: 10/26/2020] [Accepted: 11/04/2020] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
Drugs of abuse are psychoactive substances illicitly distributed and used worldwide. In Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, they represent a public health issue and are directly related to several social problems. The recent increase in appearances of new psychoactive substances (NPS), derived from structural modifications of existing psychoactive substances, poses a threat to public health and forensic laboratories worldwide, as little is known about these substances. This study aimed to chemically and geographically map drugs of abuse from blotter papers seized by the Civil Police of Rio de Janeiro State (PCERJ) between 2006 and 2019. High-performance analytical techniques, such as gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and Orbitrap mass spectrometry (Orbitrap-MS), combined with statistical analyses, were employed to characterize the seized samples. The most common chemical compounds in NPS found in this study were synthetic phenethylamines, i.e., molecules from the 25I-NBOH (2-(((4-iodo-2,5-dimethoxyphenethyl)amino)methyl)phenol) and 25I-NBOMe (2-(4-iodo-2,5-dimethoxyphenyl)-N-(2-methoxybenzyl)ethanamine) families. Prior to 2014, the majority of seized blotter papers contained lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) and were concentrated in the Metropolitan region. An upsurge in blotter paper seizures was observed from 2014 to 2017; the most common substances during this time were from the NBOMe family. NBOH compounds emerged in 2016 in coastal regions with high tourism, reaching over 1300 items only in 2017. Only one synthetic cannabinoid was found among the blotter papers seized in Rio de Janeiro between 2006 and 2019. The assembled chemical data and statistical analyses allowed the mapping and monitoring of the chemical profiles of the seized blotter papers, providing a strong foundation for the understanding of the origins and movement of these drugs around the RJ State.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vinícius L Meira
- Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Instituto de Química, NAF - LADETEC, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, 21941-909, Brazil
| | - Adriana S de Oliveira
- PCERJ, SEPOL, Instituto de Criminalística Carlos Éboli (ICCE), Rio de Janeiro, RJ, 20060-050, Brazil.
| | - Luciana S A Cohen
- PCERJ, SEPOL, Instituto de Criminalística Carlos Éboli (ICCE), Rio de Janeiro, RJ, 20060-050, Brazil
| | - Cecília de A Bhering
- Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Instituto de Química, NAF - LADETEC, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, 21941-909, Brazil
| | - Karen M de Oliveira
- Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Instituto de Química, NAF - LADETEC, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, 21941-909, Brazil
| | - Denilson S de Siqueira
- PCERJ, SEPOL, Instituto de Criminalística Carlos Éboli (ICCE), Rio de Janeiro, RJ, 20060-050, Brazil
| | - Marco Antônio Martins de Oliveira
- PCERJ, SEPOL, Instituto de Criminalística Carlos Éboli (ICCE), Rio de Janeiro, RJ, 20060-050, Brazil; Universidade Federal Fluminense, Instituto de Química, GQA, Niterói, RJ, 24020-141, Brazil
| | - Francisco R de Aquino Neto
- Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Instituto de Química, NAF - LADETEC, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, 21941-909, Brazil
| | - Gabriela Vanini
- Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Instituto de Química, NAF - LADETEC, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, 21941-909, Brazil
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da Cunha KF, Oliveira KD, Huestis MA, Costa JL. Screening of 104 New Psychoactive Substances (NPS) and Other Drugs of Abuse in Oral Fluid by LC–MS-MS. J Anal Toxicol 2020; 44:697-707. [DOI: 10.1093/jat/bkaa089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2020] [Revised: 06/22/2020] [Accepted: 07/10/2020] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Abstract
New psychoactive substances (NPS) are a major public health problem, primarily due to the increased number of acute poisoning cases. Detection of these substances is a challenge. The aim of this research was to develop and validate a sensitive screening method for 104 drugs of abuse, including synthetic cannabinoids, synthetic cathinones, fentanyl analogues, phenethylamines and other abused psychoactive compounds (i.e., THC, MDMA, LSD and their metabolites) in oral fluid by liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS-MS). The Quantisal™ oral fluid device was used to collect oral fluid samples. The oral fluid–elution buffer mixture (500-μL sample) was extracted with t-butyl methyl ether, and chromatographic separation was performed on a Raptor™ biphenyl column (100 × 2.1 mm ID, 2.7 μm), with a total run time of 13.5 min. Limits of detection were established at three concentrations (0.05, 0.1 or 1 ng/mL) for most analytes, except for acetyl norfentanyl and mescaline (5 ng/mL). Matrix effects were generally <20% and overall extraction recoveries >60%. The highest matrix effect was observed within the synthetic cannabinoid group (PB22, −55.5%). Lower recoveries were observed for 2C-T (47.2%) and JWH-175 (58.7%). Recoveries from the Quantisal™ device were also evaluated for all analytes (56.7–127%), with lower recoveries noted for 25I-NBOMe, valerylfentanyl and mCPP (56.7, 63.0 and 69.9%, respectively). Drug stability in oral fluid was evaluated at 15, 60 and 90 days and at 25, 4 and −20°C. As expected, greater stability was observed when samples were stored at −20°C, but even when frozen, some NPS (e.g., synthetic cannabinoids) showed more than 20% degradation. The method was successfully applied to the analysis of seven authentic oral fluid samples positive for 17 different analytes. The method achieved good sensitivity and simultaneous detection of a wide range of NPS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelly Francisco da Cunha
- Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, SP 13083-859, Brazil
- Campinas Poison Control Center, University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, SP 13083-859, Brazil
| | - Karina Diniz Oliveira
- Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, SP 13083-859, Brazil
- Campinas Poison Control Center, University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, SP 13083-859, Brazil
| | - Marilyn A Huestis
- Institute of Emerging Health Professions, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA
| | - Jose Luiz Costa
- Campinas Poison Control Center, University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, SP 13083-859, Brazil
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, SP 13083-859, Brazil
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW The aim of this review is to provide an update on recent trends of New Psychoactive Substances (NPS) and the current global strategies implemented to manage them. RECENT FINDINGS The number of NPS has increased from 166 in 2009 to 892 in 2018, with about 36% having stimulant effects. Such trend revels some unprecedented patterns. The decline in the emergence of new synthetic cannabinoids has coincided with rising deaths due to overdose of fentanyl and non-fentanyl compounds in North America and Europe. The detection of new stimulant NPS has stabilized since 2015. Although the level of seizures of mephedrone have risen since then, they are still below the levels reported before international control. The legal status of kratom still remains unclear, whereas calls for research on its benefits continue. The nonmedical use of tramadol in Africa and Middle East is a cause of growing concern. SUMMARY Although the rise of NPS is a cause for concern, evidence suggests that the strategy to face the challenge should include updating international data collection systems, integrating scientific-based interventions for drug use, strengthening national monitoring, and increasing collaborative research and forensic capabilities. The legal, regulatory framework and clinical guidelines should remain dynamic, whereas enforcement agencies should measure success by destroying drug networks as seizures rarely dismantle drug markets.
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