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Forensic electrochemistry: the electroanalytical sensing of Rohypnol® (flunitrazepam) using screen-printed graphite
Jamie P Smith1, Jonathan P Metters, Dimitrios K Kampouris
1Faculty of Science and Engineering, School of Chemistry and the Environment, Division of Chemistry and Environmental Science, Manchester Metropolitan University, Chester Street, Manchester M15GD, Lancs, UK. c.banks@mmu.ac.uk.
Abstract:
The electroanalytical sensing of Rohypnol® (flunitrazepam) is reported for the first time utilising screen-printed graphite electrodes without the requirement for any additional pre-treatment or modification. The methodology is shown to be useful for quantifying low levels (μg mL(-1)) of Rohypnol® in not only buffered solutions but also two internationally favoured drinks: Coca Cola™ and the alcopop WKD™ without any sample pre-treatment. The current analytical approaches for the sensing of Rohypnol® are also summarised within this paper. The niche of this electroanalytical protocol is the lack of the requirement of any pre-treatment of the sample/beverage or electrode modification (cleaning, pre-treatment etc.) for the determination of Rohypnol® in beverages and offers a potential rapid, cost-effective, yet suitably sensitive and accurate screening solution to the problem posed by coloured drinks to products such as the colour changing 'Smart Cup'.
