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Elashnikov R, Khrystonko O, Trelin A, Kuchař M, Švorčík V, Lyutakov O. Label-free SERS-ML detection of cocaine trace in human blood plasma. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 472:134525. [PMID: 38743978 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2024.134525] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2024] [Revised: 04/22/2024] [Accepted: 05/01/2024] [Indexed: 05/16/2024]
Abstract
The widespread consumption of cocaine poses a significant threat to modern society. The most effective way to combat this problem is to control the distribution of cocaine, based on its accurate and sensitive detection. Here, we proposed the detection of cocaine in human blood plasma using a combination of surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy and machine learning (SERS-ML). To demonstrate the efficacy of our proposed approach, cocaine was added into blood plasma at various concentrations and drop-deposited onto a specially prepared disposable SERS substrate. SERS substrates were created by deposition of metal nanoclusters on electrospun polymer nanofibers. Subsequently, SERS spectra were measured and as could be expected, the manual distinguishing of cocaine from the spectra proved unfeasible, as its signal was masked by the background signal from blood plasma molecules. To overcome this issue, a database of SERS spectra of cocaine in blood plasma was collected and used for ML training and validation. After training, the reliability of proposed approach was tested on independently prepared samples, with unknown for SERS-ML cocaine presence or absence. As a result, the possibility of rapid determination of cocaine in blood plasma with a probability above 99.5% for cocaine concentrations up to 10-14 M was confirmed. Therefore, it is evident that the proposed approach has the ability to detect trace amounts of cocaine in bioliquids in an express and simple manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roman Elashnikov
- Department of Solid State Engineering, University of Chemistry and Technology, 16628 Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Olena Khrystonko
- Department of Solid State Engineering, University of Chemistry and Technology, 16628 Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Andrii Trelin
- Department of Solid State Engineering, University of Chemistry and Technology, 16628 Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Martin Kuchař
- Forensic Laboratory of Biologically Active Substances, Department of Chemistry of Natural Compounds, University of Chemistry and Technology Prague, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Václav Švorčík
- Department of Solid State Engineering, University of Chemistry and Technology, 16628 Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Oleksiy Lyutakov
- Department of Solid State Engineering, University of Chemistry and Technology, 16628 Prague, Czech Republic.
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Liu Y, Ma X, Mao F, Qiu J, Bi J, Li X, Gu X, Zheng Y, Zhao Y. HMGR and CHS gene cloning, characterizations and tissue-specific expressions in Polygala tenuifolia Willd. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0300895. [PMID: 38527035 PMCID: PMC10962832 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0300895] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2023] [Accepted: 03/03/2024] [Indexed: 03/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Triterpenoid saponins and flavonoids have several pharmacological activities against P. tenuifolia. The 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-CoA reductase (HMGR) and chalcone synthase (CHS) are the rate-limiting enzymes of triterpenoid saponin and flavonoid biosynthesis, respectively. In this study, HMGR and CHS genes were cloned from P. tenuifolia, and their bioinformatics analyses and tissue-specific expression were investigated. The results showed that the HMGR and CHS genes were successfully cloned, separately named the PtHMGR gene (NCBI accession: MK424118) and PtCHS gene (NCBI accession: MK424117). The PtHMGR gene is 2323 bp long, has an open reading frame (ORF) of 1782 bp, and encods 593 amino acids. The PtCHS gene is 1633 bp long with an ORF of 1170 bp, encoding 389 amino acids. PtHMGR and PtCHS were both hydrophobic, not signal peptides or secreted proteins, containing 10 conserved motifs. PtHMGR and PtCHS separately showed high homology with HMGR and CHS proteins from other species, and their secondary structures mainly included α-helix and random curl. The tertiary structure of PtHMGR was highly similarity to that the template 7ULI in RCSB PDB with 92.0% coverage rate. The HMG-CoA-binding domain of PtHMGR is located at 173-572 amino acid residues, including five bound sites. The tertiary structure of PtCHS showed high consistency with the template 1I86 in RCSB PDB with 100% coverage rate, contained malonyl CoA and 4-coumaroyl-CoA linkers. The expression of PtHMGR and PtCHS is tissue-specific. PtHMGR transcripts were mainly accumulated in roots, followed by leaves, and least in stems, and were significantly positively correlated with the contents of total saponin and tenuifolin. PtCHS was highly expressed in the stems, followed by the leaves, with low expression in the roots. PtCHS transcripts showed a significant positive correlation with total flavonoids content, however, they were significantly negatively correlated with the content of polygalaxanthone III (a type of flavonoids). This study provided insight for further revealing the roles of PtHMGR and PtCHS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Liu
- College of Pharmacy, Hebei University of Chinese Medicine, Shijiazhuang, Hebei Province, China
- Traditional Chinese Medicine Processing Technology Innovation Center of Hebei Province, Shijiazhuang, Hebei Province, China
- International Joint Research Center on Resource Utilization and Quality Evaluation of Traditional Chinese Medicine of Hebei Province, Shijiazhuang, Hebei Province, China
| | - Xiaofang Ma
- Yinchuan Women and Children Health Care Hospital, Yinchuan, Ningxia, China
| | - Fuying Mao
- Experimental Center, Hebei University of Chinese Medicine, Shijiazhuang, Hebei Province, China
| | - Jinmiao Qiu
- College of Pharmacy, Hebei University of Chinese Medicine, Shijiazhuang, Hebei Province, China
| | - Jingyi Bi
- College of Pharmacy, Hebei University of Chinese Medicine, Shijiazhuang, Hebei Province, China
| | - Xiaowei Li
- College of Pharmacy, Hebei University of Chinese Medicine, Shijiazhuang, Hebei Province, China
| | - Xian Gu
- College of Pharmacy, Hebei University of Chinese Medicine, Shijiazhuang, Hebei Province, China
| | - Yuguang Zheng
- Traditional Chinese Medicine Processing Technology Innovation Center of Hebei Province, Shijiazhuang, Hebei Province, China
- Hebei Chemical and Pharmaceutical College, Shijiazhuang, Hebei Province, China
| | - Yunsheng Zhao
- College of Pharmacy, Hebei University of Chinese Medicine, Shijiazhuang, Hebei Province, China
- Traditional Chinese Medicine Processing Technology Innovation Center of Hebei Province, Shijiazhuang, Hebei Province, China
- International Joint Research Center on Resource Utilization and Quality Evaluation of Traditional Chinese Medicine of Hebei Province, Shijiazhuang, Hebei Province, China
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Castro AS, de Azevedo LS, Rodrigues CHP, Patelli ACC, Bruni AT, de Oliveira MF. Use of voltammetric and chemometric tools to develop a sensor in forensic chemistry. TALANTA OPEN 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.talo.2021.100079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022] Open
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Boroujerdi R, Paul R. Graphene-Based Electrochemical Sensors for Psychoactive Drugs. NANOMATERIALS 2022; 12:nano12132250. [PMID: 35808086 PMCID: PMC9267978 DOI: 10.3390/nano12132250] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2022] [Revised: 06/24/2022] [Accepted: 06/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Sensors developed from nanomaterials are increasingly used in a variety of fields, from simple wearable or medical sensors to be used at home to monitor health, to more complicated sensors being used by border customs or aviation industries. In recent times, nanoparticle-based sensors have begun to revolutionize drug-detection techniques, mainly due to their affordability, ease of use and portability, compared to conventional chromatography techniques. Thin graphene layers provide a significantly high surface to weight ratio compared to other nanomaterials, a characteristic that has led to the design of more sensitive and reliable sensors. The exceptional properties of graphene coupled with its potential to be tuned to target specific molecules have made graphene-based sensors one of the most popular and well-researched sensing materials of the past two decades with applications in environmental monitoring, medical diagnostics, and industries. Here, we present a review of developments in the applications of graphene-based sensors in sensing drugs such as cocaine, morphine, methamphetamine, ketamine, tramadol and so forth in the past decade. We compare graphene sensors with other sensors developed from ultrathin two-dimensional materials, such as transition-metal dichalcogenides, hexagonal boron nitrate, and MXenes, to measure drugs directly and indirectly, in various samples.
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Green Assessment of Chromatographic Methods Used for the Analysis of Four Methamphetamine Combinations with Commonly Abused Drugs. SEPARATIONS 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/separations9070156] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Numerous agents with anxiolytic or stimulant effects have the potential to be overused, and their misuse is associated with serious side effects. In Saudi Arabia, the estimated percentage of Saudis who abuse drugs is around 7–8% and the age range is 12–22 years. Methamphetamine, captagon, tramadol, heroin, and cannabis/cannabinoids have been proven to be the most commonly abused drugs in Saudi Arabia, with methamphetamine being at the top of the list. The present study focuses on the chromatographic analytical methods used for the analysis of methamphetamine in combination with commonly abused drugs, aiming to point out the greenest among them. These mixtures have been chosen as they are analyzed periodically and frequently in criminal evidence and forensic medicine. Therefore, the chances of hazards for analysts and the environment are high if the mixtures are not handled appropriately. This study aims to compare 23 chromatographic methods used for the analysis of methamphetamine mixtures in four major combinations, and to assess their greenness by using three greenness assessment tools, namely, NEMI, ESA and AGREE, to recommend the greenest analytical method. The NEMI results were proven to have low discriminating abilities and, accordingly, the comparisons are based on ESA and AGREE scores. The analysis results show that the safest methods with the most eco-friendly results (based on ESA and AGREE) are the GC-MS method proposed by Mohammed et al. to analyze methamphetamine and captagon mixtures (ESA = 79 and AGREE = 0.57), the UHPLC–MS-MS method proposed by Busardò et al. to analyze methamphetamine and cannabis/cannabinoid mixtures (ESA = 78 and AGREE = 0.57), the LC-MS method proposed by Herrin et al. to analyze methamphetamine and tramadol mixtures (ESA = 81 and AGREE = 0.56), and the LC-MS method proposed by Postigo-et al to analyze methamphetamine and heroin mixtures (ESA = 76 and AGREE = 0.58).
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Guo G, Wang T, Ding X, Wang H, Wu Q, Zhang Z, Ding S, Li S, Li J. Fluorescent lanthanide metal-organic framework for rapid and ultrasensitive detection of methcathinone in human urine. Talanta 2022; 249:123663. [PMID: 35704956 DOI: 10.1016/j.talanta.2022.123663] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2022] [Revised: 06/02/2022] [Accepted: 06/05/2022] [Indexed: 10/31/2022]
Abstract
Methcathinone (MC), a new and easily abused psychoactive substance, not only has a rigorous impact on public security, but also endangers people's health. Herein, novel fluorescent europium metal-organic frameworks (Eu-MOF) were synthesized through a facile one-step solvothermal strategy and utilized as an effective "signal-off" sensing platform for rapid and ultrasensitive detection of MC. The as-fabricated Eu-MOF possessed superior optical properties encompassing bright red fluorescence and good photostability. In the presence of MC, the fluorescence of Eu-MOF was significantly quenched, mainly attributing to the internal filtering effect between Eu-MOF and MC. The fluorescent signal showed high selectivity for MC over other illicit drugs, and offered two linear ranges of 1-100 ng/mL and 100-4000 ng/mL with a detection limit of 0.40 ng/mL. Strikingly, the nanoprobe could be applied for the assay of MC in human urine with satisfactory recoveries and acceptable results. This work provides a promising route for MC detection to effectively control illicit drug pandemic worldwide.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gaoxian Guo
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, China
| | - Ting Wang
- College of Pharmacy, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, China
| | - Xuan Ding
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, China
| | - Hanting Wang
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, China
| | - Qilong Wu
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, China
| | - Zhengwei Zhang
- College of Pharmacy, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, China
| | - Shijia Ding
- Key Laboratory of Clinical Laboratory Diagnostics (Ministry of Education), College of Laboratory Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, China
| | - Siqiao Li
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, China.
| | - Jianbo Li
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, China.
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Aslani S, Armstrong DW. High Information Spectroscopic Detection Techniques for Gas Chromatography. J Chromatogr A 2022; 1676:463255. [DOI: 10.1016/j.chroma.2022.463255] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2022] [Revised: 06/10/2022] [Accepted: 06/14/2022] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
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Reavis M, Goodpaster J. Quantitative analysis of smokeless powder particles in post‐blast debris via gas chromatography/vacuum ultraviolet spectroscopy (
GC
/
VUV
). J Forensic Sci 2022; 67:1431-1440. [PMID: 35368092 PMCID: PMC9322668 DOI: 10.1111/1556-4029.15037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2022] [Revised: 03/05/2022] [Accepted: 03/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Forensic analysis of smokeless powder particles recovered from the debris of an improvised explosive device can provide information about the type of smokeless powder used and can aid investigation efforts. In this study, quantitative methods were used to yield information about the difference in the chemical composition of the particles pre‐ and post‐blast. The technique, gas chromatography/vacuum ultraviolet spectroscopy (GC/VUV), was able to quantify nitroglycerin, 2,4‐dinitrotoluene, diphenylamine, ethyl centralite, and di‐n‐butyl phthalate in pre‐ and post‐blast smokeless powder particles using heptadecane as an internal standard. Post‐blast debris was obtained via controlled explosions with assistance from the Indiana State Police Bomb Squad. Two galvanized steel and two polyvinyl chloride pipe bombs were assembled. Two devices contained single‐base smokeless powder and two contained double‐base smokeless powder. 2,4‐dinitrotoluene and diphenylamine were successfully quantified in the single‐base smokeless powder post‐blast debris while nitroglycerin, diphenylamine, and ethyl centralite were successfully quantified in the double‐base smokeless powder post‐blast debris. Compounds were detected at concentrations as low as 9 μg of 2,4‐dinitrotoluene per mg, <3 μg of diphenylamine per mg, 131 μg of nitroglycerin per mg, and <3 μg of ethyl centralite per mg. Concentration changes between pre‐ and post‐blast smokeless powder particles were determined as well as microscopic differences between pre‐ and post‐blast debris for both smokeless powders in all devices. To our knowledge, this is the first use of GC/VUV for the quantification of explosives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Madison Reavis
- Forensic and Investigative Sciences Department Indiana University—Purdue University Indianapolis Indianapolis Indiana USA
| | - John Goodpaster
- Forensic and Investigative Sciences Department Indiana University—Purdue University Indianapolis Indianapolis Indiana USA
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Cruse CA, Goodpaster JV. Optimization of gas chromatography/vacuum ultraviolet (GC/VUV) spectroscopy for explosive compounds and application to post-blast debris. Forensic Chem 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.forc.2021.100362] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [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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10
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Kumar P, Sharma A, Kumar D, Sharma L. Use of Spectroscopic Methods and Their Clinical Applications in Drug Abuse: A Review. Crit Rev Anal Chem 2021; 53:360-373. [PMID: 34376090 DOI: 10.1080/10408347.2021.1958196] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Assurance of substance abuse in plasma and different parts of the body is vital in clinical and legal toxicology. Detection techniques are evaluated for their appropriateness in scientific and clinical sciences, where extraordinary prerequisites must be met. Recognition and affirmation are for the most part done by gas chromatography-Mass spectrometry (GC-MS) or liquid chromatography (LC-MS), Surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS), Magnetic resonance imaging, Positron Emission Tomography, Infrared Spectroscopy, and UV Spectroscopy. Progressed spectroscopic techniques provided helpful quantitative or qualitative data about the natural chemistry and science of exploited substances. These spectroscopic techniques are assumed as quick, precise, and some of them are non-damaging investigation apparatus that may be assumed as a substitution for previously used compound investigation. Spectroscopy with its advances in technology is centralized to novel applications in the detection of abused drug substances and clinical toxicology. These techniques have attracted growing interest as forensic tools for the early detection and monitoring of exploited drugs. This review describes the principle, role, and clinical application of various spectroscopic techniques which are utilized for the identification of drug abuse like morphine, cocaine, codeine, alcohol, amphetamines, and their metabolites in whole blood, plasma, hair, and nails.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pardeep Kumar
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shoolini University of Biotechnology and Management Sciences, Solan, Himachal Pradesh, India
| | - Aditi Sharma
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shoolini University of Biotechnology and Management Sciences, Solan, Himachal Pradesh, India
| | - Deepak Kumar
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shoolini University of Biotechnology and Management Sciences, Solan, Himachal Pradesh, India
| | - Lalit Sharma
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shoolini University of Biotechnology and Management Sciences, Solan, Himachal Pradesh, India
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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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12
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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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