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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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Mata-Pesquera M, Fabregat-Safont D, Gil C, Ventura M, Steinmetz FP, Ibáñez M. Characterization of the recently detected cathinone N-cyclohexyl butylone: From structure elucidation to in silico supported pharmacological/toxicological considerations. Microchem J 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.microc.2023.108577] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/04/2023]
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Mickolas LJ, Bowen AM, Hitchcock ML. Forensic applications of high-resolution NMR spectroscopy in the identification of novel psychoactive substances and the quantitation of methamphetamine. MAGNETIC RESONANCE IN CHEMISTRY : MRC 2023; 61:83-94. [PMID: 34783084 DOI: 10.1002/mrc.5233] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2021] [Revised: 11/05/2021] [Accepted: 11/08/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Lynsey J Mickolas
- Physical Sciences Unit, United States Postal Inspection Service National Forensic Laboratory, Dulles, VA, USA
| | - Andrew M Bowen
- Physical Sciences Unit, United States Postal Inspection Service National Forensic Laboratory, Dulles, VA, USA
| | - Michael L Hitchcock
- Physical Sciences Unit, United States Postal Inspection Service National Forensic Laboratory, Dulles, VA, USA
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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,70113th Street, N.W., Suite 750, Washington, DC, 20005-3967, USA,Corresponding author. RTI International, Applied Justice Research Division, Center for Forensic Sciences, 3040 E. Cornwallis Road, Research Triangle Park, NC, 22709-2194, USA.
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Taffe MA, Nguyen JD, Vandewater SA, Grant Y, Dickerson TJ. Effects of α-pyrrolidino-phenone cathinone stimulants on locomotor behavior in female rats. Drug Alcohol Depend 2021; 227:108910. [PMID: 34332176 PMCID: PMC9812683 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2021.108910] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2020] [Revised: 06/05/2021] [Accepted: 06/08/2021] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
The α-pyrrolidino-phenone cathinone stimulants first came to widespread attention because of bizarre behavior consequent to the use of α-pyrrolidinopentiophenone (α-PVP, "flakka") reported in popular press. As with other designer drugs, diversification of cathinones has been driven by desirable subjective effects, but also by attempts to stay ahead of legal controls of specific molecules. The α-pyrrolidinohexiophenone (α-PHP) and α-pyrrolidinopropiophenone (α-PPP) compounds have been relatively under-investigated relative to α-PVP and provide a key opportunity to also investigate structure-activity relationships, i.e., how the extension of the alpha carbon chain may affect potency or efficacy. Female rats were used to contrast the effects of α-PHP and α-PPP with those of α-PVP in altering wheel activity and effects on spontaneous locomotion, temperature and intracranial self-stimulation reward. The α-PPP, α-PHP and α-PVP compounds (5, 10 mg/kg, i.p.) suppressed wheel activity. Inhalation of α-PHP or α-PVP also suppressed wheel activity, but for an abbreviated duration compared with the injection route. Spontaneous activity was increased, and brain reward thresholds decreased, in a dose-dependent manner by all three compounds; only small decrements in body temperature were observed. These data show that all three of the α-pyrrolidino-phenone cathinones exhibit significant stimulant-like activity in female rats. Differences were minor and abuse liability is therefore likely to be equivalent for all three α-pyrrolidino-phenones.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael A Taffe
- Department of Neuroscience, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA, USA; Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA.
| | - Jacques D Nguyen
- Department of Neuroscience, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA, USA; Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Sophia A Vandewater
- Department of Neuroscience, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Yanabel Grant
- Department of Neuroscience, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA, USA; Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Tobin J Dickerson
- Department of Chemistry, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA, USA
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