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Rosendo LM, Antunes M, Simão AY, Brinca AT, Catarro G, Pelixo R, Martinho J, Pires B, Soares S, Cascalheira JF, Passarinha L, Rosado T, Barroso M, Gallardo E. Sensors in the Detection of Abused Substances in Forensic Contexts: A Comprehensive Review. MICROMACHINES 2023; 14:2249. [PMID: 38138418 PMCID: PMC10745465 DOI: 10.3390/mi14122249] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2023] [Revised: 12/10/2023] [Accepted: 12/13/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023]
Abstract
Forensic toxicology plays a pivotal role in elucidating the presence of drugs of abuse in both biological and solid samples, thereby aiding criminal investigations and public health initiatives. This review article explores the significance of sensor technologies in this field, focusing on diverse applications and their impact on the determination of drug abuse markers. This manuscript intends to review the transformative role of portable sensor technologies in detecting drugs of abuse in various samples. They offer precise, efficient, and real-time detection capabilities in both biological samples and solid substances. These sensors have become indispensable tools, with particular applications in various scenarios, including traffic stops, crime scenes, and workplace drug testing. The integration of portable sensor technologies in forensic toxicology is a remarkable advancement in the field. It has not only improved the speed and accuracy of drug abuse detection but has also extended the reach of forensic toxicology, making it more accessible and versatile. These advancements continue to shape forensic toxicology, ensuring swift, precise, and reliable results in criminal investigations and public health endeavours.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luana M. Rosendo
- Centro de Investigação em Ciências da Saúde, Universidade da Beira Interior (CICS-UBI), 6200-506 Covilhã, Portugal; (L.M.R.); (M.A.); (A.Y.S.); (A.T.B.); (G.C.); (R.P.); (J.M.); (B.P.); (S.S.); (J.F.C.); (L.P.); (T.R.)
- Laboratório de Fármaco-Toxicologia, UBIMedical, Universidade da Beira Interior, EM506, 6200-000 Covilhã, Portugal
| | - Mónica Antunes
- Centro de Investigação em Ciências da Saúde, Universidade da Beira Interior (CICS-UBI), 6200-506 Covilhã, Portugal; (L.M.R.); (M.A.); (A.Y.S.); (A.T.B.); (G.C.); (R.P.); (J.M.); (B.P.); (S.S.); (J.F.C.); (L.P.); (T.R.)
- Laboratório de Fármaco-Toxicologia, UBIMedical, Universidade da Beira Interior, EM506, 6200-000 Covilhã, Portugal
| | - Ana Y. Simão
- Centro de Investigação em Ciências da Saúde, Universidade da Beira Interior (CICS-UBI), 6200-506 Covilhã, Portugal; (L.M.R.); (M.A.); (A.Y.S.); (A.T.B.); (G.C.); (R.P.); (J.M.); (B.P.); (S.S.); (J.F.C.); (L.P.); (T.R.)
- Laboratório de Fármaco-Toxicologia, UBIMedical, Universidade da Beira Interior, EM506, 6200-000 Covilhã, Portugal
| | - Ana Teresa Brinca
- Centro de Investigação em Ciências da Saúde, Universidade da Beira Interior (CICS-UBI), 6200-506 Covilhã, Portugal; (L.M.R.); (M.A.); (A.Y.S.); (A.T.B.); (G.C.); (R.P.); (J.M.); (B.P.); (S.S.); (J.F.C.); (L.P.); (T.R.)
- Laboratório de Fármaco-Toxicologia, UBIMedical, Universidade da Beira Interior, EM506, 6200-000 Covilhã, Portugal
| | - Gonçalo Catarro
- Centro de Investigação em Ciências da Saúde, Universidade da Beira Interior (CICS-UBI), 6200-506 Covilhã, Portugal; (L.M.R.); (M.A.); (A.Y.S.); (A.T.B.); (G.C.); (R.P.); (J.M.); (B.P.); (S.S.); (J.F.C.); (L.P.); (T.R.)
- Laboratório de Fármaco-Toxicologia, UBIMedical, Universidade da Beira Interior, EM506, 6200-000 Covilhã, Portugal
| | - Rodrigo Pelixo
- Centro de Investigação em Ciências da Saúde, Universidade da Beira Interior (CICS-UBI), 6200-506 Covilhã, Portugal; (L.M.R.); (M.A.); (A.Y.S.); (A.T.B.); (G.C.); (R.P.); (J.M.); (B.P.); (S.S.); (J.F.C.); (L.P.); (T.R.)
- Laboratório de Fármaco-Toxicologia, UBIMedical, Universidade da Beira Interior, EM506, 6200-000 Covilhã, Portugal
| | - João Martinho
- Centro de Investigação em Ciências da Saúde, Universidade da Beira Interior (CICS-UBI), 6200-506 Covilhã, Portugal; (L.M.R.); (M.A.); (A.Y.S.); (A.T.B.); (G.C.); (R.P.); (J.M.); (B.P.); (S.S.); (J.F.C.); (L.P.); (T.R.)
- Laboratório de Fármaco-Toxicologia, UBIMedical, Universidade da Beira Interior, EM506, 6200-000 Covilhã, Portugal
| | - Bruno Pires
- Centro de Investigação em Ciências da Saúde, Universidade da Beira Interior (CICS-UBI), 6200-506 Covilhã, Portugal; (L.M.R.); (M.A.); (A.Y.S.); (A.T.B.); (G.C.); (R.P.); (J.M.); (B.P.); (S.S.); (J.F.C.); (L.P.); (T.R.)
- Laboratório de Fármaco-Toxicologia, UBIMedical, Universidade da Beira Interior, EM506, 6200-000 Covilhã, Portugal
| | - Sofia Soares
- Centro de Investigação em Ciências da Saúde, Universidade da Beira Interior (CICS-UBI), 6200-506 Covilhã, Portugal; (L.M.R.); (M.A.); (A.Y.S.); (A.T.B.); (G.C.); (R.P.); (J.M.); (B.P.); (S.S.); (J.F.C.); (L.P.); (T.R.)
- Laboratório de Fármaco-Toxicologia, UBIMedical, Universidade da Beira Interior, EM506, 6200-000 Covilhã, Portugal
| | - José Francisco Cascalheira
- Centro de Investigação em Ciências da Saúde, Universidade da Beira Interior (CICS-UBI), 6200-506 Covilhã, Portugal; (L.M.R.); (M.A.); (A.Y.S.); (A.T.B.); (G.C.); (R.P.); (J.M.); (B.P.); (S.S.); (J.F.C.); (L.P.); (T.R.)
- Departamento de Química, Universidade da Beira Interior, 6200-001 Covilhã, Portugal
| | - Luís Passarinha
- Centro de Investigação em Ciências da Saúde, Universidade da Beira Interior (CICS-UBI), 6200-506 Covilhã, Portugal; (L.M.R.); (M.A.); (A.Y.S.); (A.T.B.); (G.C.); (R.P.); (J.M.); (B.P.); (S.S.); (J.F.C.); (L.P.); (T.R.)
- Laboratório de Fármaco-Toxicologia, UBIMedical, Universidade da Beira Interior, EM506, 6200-000 Covilhã, Portugal
- Associate Laboratory i4HB-Institute for Health and Bioeconomy, NOVA School of Science and Technology, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, 2819-516 Caparica, Portugal
- UCIBIO-Applied Molecular Biosciences Unit, Chemistry Department, NOVA School of Science and Technology, 2829-516 Caparica, Portugal
| | - Tiago Rosado
- Centro de Investigação em Ciências da Saúde, Universidade da Beira Interior (CICS-UBI), 6200-506 Covilhã, Portugal; (L.M.R.); (M.A.); (A.Y.S.); (A.T.B.); (G.C.); (R.P.); (J.M.); (B.P.); (S.S.); (J.F.C.); (L.P.); (T.R.)
- Laboratório de Fármaco-Toxicologia, UBIMedical, Universidade da Beira Interior, EM506, 6200-000 Covilhã, Portugal
- Centro Académico Clínico das Beiras (CACB)—Grupo de Problemas Relacionados com Toxicofilias, 6200-000 Covilhã, Portugal
| | - Mário Barroso
- Serviço de Química e Toxicologia Forenses, Instituto de Medicina Legal e Ciências Forenses—Delegação do Sul, 1169-201 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Eugenia Gallardo
- Centro de Investigação em Ciências da Saúde, Universidade da Beira Interior (CICS-UBI), 6200-506 Covilhã, Portugal; (L.M.R.); (M.A.); (A.Y.S.); (A.T.B.); (G.C.); (R.P.); (J.M.); (B.P.); (S.S.); (J.F.C.); (L.P.); (T.R.)
- Laboratório de Fármaco-Toxicologia, UBIMedical, Universidade da Beira Interior, EM506, 6200-000 Covilhã, Portugal
- Centro Académico Clínico das Beiras (CACB)—Grupo de Problemas Relacionados com Toxicofilias, 6200-000 Covilhã, Portugal
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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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Bazyar H. On the Application of Microfluidic-Based Technologies in Forensics: A Review. SENSORS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 23:5856. [PMID: 37447704 PMCID: PMC10346202 DOI: 10.3390/s23135856] [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: 05/17/2023] [Revised: 06/21/2023] [Accepted: 06/22/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023]
Abstract
Microfluidic technology is a powerful tool to enable the rapid, accurate, and on-site analysis of forensically relevant evidence on a crime scene. This review paper provides a summary on the application of this technology in various forensic investigation fields spanning from forensic serology and human identification to discriminating and analyzing diverse classes of drugs and explosives. Each aspect is further explained by providing a short summary on general forensic workflow and investigations for body fluid identification as well as through the analysis of drugs and explosives. Microfluidic technology, including fabrication methodologies, materials, and working modules, are touched upon. Finally, the current shortcomings on the implementation of the microfluidic technology in the forensic field are discussed along with the future perspectives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanieh Bazyar
- Engineering Thermodynamics, Process & Energy Department, Faculty of Mechanical, Maritime and Materials Engineering, Delft University of Technology, Leeghwaterstraat 39, 2628CB Delft, The Netherlands
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Pradela-Filho LA, Veloso WB, Arantes IVS, Gongoni JLM, de Farias DM, Araujo DAG, Paixão TRLC. Paper-based analytical devices for point-of-need applications. Mikrochim Acta 2023; 190:179. [PMID: 37041400 PMCID: PMC10089827 DOI: 10.1007/s00604-023-05764-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2022] [Accepted: 03/28/2023] [Indexed: 04/13/2023]
Abstract
Paper-based analytical devices (PADs) are powerful platforms for point-of-need testing since they are inexpensive devices fabricated in different shapes and miniaturized sizes, ensuring better portability. Additionally, the readout and detection systems can be accomplished with portable devices, allying with the features of both systems. These devices have been introduced as promising analytical platforms to meet critical demands involving rapid, reliable, and simple testing. They have been applied to monitor species related to environmental, health, and food issues. Herein, an outline of chronological events involving PADs is first reported. This work also introduces insights into fundamental parameters to engineer new analytical platforms, including the paper type and device operation. The discussions involve the main analytical techniques used as detection systems, such as colorimetry, fluorescence, and electrochemistry. It also showed recent advances involving PADs, especially combining optical and electrochemical detection into a single device. Dual/combined detection systems can overcome individual barriers of the analytical techniques, making possible simultaneous determinations, or enhancing the devices' sensitivity and/or selectivity. In addition, this review reports on distance-based detection, which is also considered a trend in analytical chemistry. Distance-based detection offers instrument-free analyses and avoids user interpretation errors, which are outstanding features for analyses at the point of need, especially for resource-limited regions. Finally, this review provides a critical overview of the practical specifications of the recent analytical platforms involving PADs, demonstrating their challenges. Therefore, this work can be a highly useful reference for new research and innovation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauro A Pradela-Filho
- Institute of Chemistry, Department of Fundamental Chemistry, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, 05508-000, Brazil.
| | - William B Veloso
- Institute of Chemistry, Department of Fundamental Chemistry, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, 05508-000, Brazil
| | - Iana V S Arantes
- Institute of Chemistry, Department of Fundamental Chemistry, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, 05508-000, Brazil
| | - Juliana L M Gongoni
- Institute of Chemistry, Department of Fundamental Chemistry, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, 05508-000, Brazil
| | - Davi M de Farias
- Institute of Chemistry, Department of Fundamental Chemistry, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, 05508-000, Brazil
| | - Diele A G Araujo
- Institute of Chemistry, Department of Fundamental Chemistry, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, 05508-000, Brazil
| | - Thiago R L C Paixão
- Institute of Chemistry, Department of Fundamental Chemistry, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, 05508-000, Brazil.
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Holman JB, Shi Z, Fadahunsi AA, Li C, Ding W. Advances on microfluidic paper-based electroanalytical devices. Biotechnol Adv 2023; 63:108093. [PMID: 36603801 DOI: 10.1016/j.biotechadv.2022.108093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2022] [Revised: 12/30/2022] [Accepted: 12/30/2022] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Since the inception of the first electrochemical devices on paper substrates, many different reports of microfluidic paper-based electroanalytical devices (μPEDs), innovative hydrophobic barriers and electrode fabrication processes have allowed the incorporation of diverse materials, resulting in different applications and a boost in performance. These advancements have led to the creation of paper-based devices with comparable performance to many standard conventional devices, with the added benefits of pumpless fluidic transport, component separation and reagent storage that can be exploited to automate and handle sample preprocessing. Herein, we review μPEDs, summarize the characteristics and functionalities of μPEDs, such as separation, fluid flow control and storage, and outline the conventional and emerging fabrication and modification approaches for μPEDs. We also examine the recent application of μPEDs in biomedicine, the environment, and food and water safety, as well as some limitations and challenges that must be addressed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph Benjamin Holman
- School of Information Science and Technology, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui 230027, China
| | - Zhengdi Shi
- School of Information Science and Technology, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui 230027, China
| | - Adeola A Fadahunsi
- School of Information Science and Technology, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui 230027, China
| | - Chengpan Li
- School of Information Science and Technology, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui 230027, China.
| | - Weiping Ding
- Department of Oncology, the First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui 230001, China.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Love
- United States Drug Enforcement Administration, Special Testing and Research Laboratory, USA
| | - Nicole S. Jones
- RTI International, Applied Justice Research Division, Center for Forensic Sciences, 3040 E. Cornwallis Road, Research Triangle Park, NC, 22709-2194, USA
- 70113 Street, N.W., Suite 750, Washington, DC, 20005-3967, USA
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Zhang H, Li X, Zhu Q, Wang Z. The recent development of nanomaterials enhanced paper-based electrochemical analytical devices. J Electroanal Chem (Lausanne) 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jelechem.2022.116140] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
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McNeill L, Megson D, Linton PE, Norrey J, Bradley L, Sutcliffe OB, Shaw KJ. Lab-on-a-Chip approaches for the detection of controlled drugs, including new psychoactive substances: A systematic review. Forensic Chem 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.forc.2021.100370] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
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Musile G, Agard Y, Wang L, De Palo EF, McCord B, Tagliaro F. Paper-based microfluidic devices: On-site tools for crime scene investigation. Trends Analyt Chem 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.trac.2021.116406] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
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Noviana E, Ozer T, Carrell CS, Link JS, McMahon C, Jang I, Henry CS. Microfluidic Paper-Based Analytical Devices: From Design to Applications. Chem Rev 2021; 121:11835-11885. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.chemrev.0c01335] [Citation(s) in RCA: 91] [Impact Index Per Article: 30.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Eka Noviana
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universitas Gadjah Mada, Yogyakarta, Indonesia 55281
| | - Tugba Ozer
- Department of Chemistry, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado 80523, United States
- Department of Bioengineering, Faculty of Chemical and Metallurgical Engineering, Yildiz Technical University, Istanbul, Turkey 34220
| | - Cody S. Carrell
- Department of Chemistry, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado 80523, United States
| | - Jeremy S. Link
- Department of Chemistry, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado 80523, United States
| | - Catherine McMahon
- Department of Chemistry, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado 80523, United States
| | - Ilhoon Jang
- Department of Chemistry, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado 80523, United States
- Institute of Nano Science and Technology, Hanyang University, Seoul, South Korea 04763
| | - Charles S. Henry
- Department of Chemistry, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado 80523, United States
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