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Surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy of novel psychoactive substances using polymer-stabilized Ag nanoparticle
W W Y Lee1, V A D Silverson, L E Jones
1Innovative Molecular Materials Group, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Queen's University Belfast, UKBT9 5AG. s.bell@qub.ac.uk.
Chemical Communications (Cambridge, England)
|November 4, 2015
Summary
Polymer-stabilized silver nanoparticle films effectively identify trace amounts of novel psychoactive substances. This surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy method also suppresses fluorescence, aiding in the analysis of "legal highs".
Area of Science:
- Analytical Chemistry
- Forensic Science
- Materials Science
Background:
- Novel psychoactive substances (NPS) pose challenges for forensic identification.
- Traditional analytical methods may be limited by sample quantity or interfering fluorescence.
- Developing rapid and sensitive detection techniques for NPS is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of polymer-stabilized silver nanoparticle (Poly-SERS) films for the detection of NPS.
- To assess the ability of Poly-SERS to overcome fluorescence interference in bulk samples.
- To determine the sensitivity of the method for identifying trace amounts of drugs from contaminated surfaces.
Main Methods:
- Surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) was employed.
- Polymer-stabilized silver nanoparticle (Poly-SERS) films were utilized as the substrate.
- Analysis included seized "legal high" samples and pure NPS.
- Method validation involved identifying microgram quantities of drugs from surfaces swabbed with a wet swab.
Main Results:
- Poly-SERS films successfully quenched fluorescence in bulk samples.
- The SERS method enabled the identification of microgram quantities of NPS.
- Effective drug detection was achieved from contaminated surfaces using wet swabs.
Conclusions:
- Poly-SERS films are a promising tool for the rapid and sensitive detection of NPS.
- The developed method offers advantages in overcoming fluorescence interference.
- This technique can aid in forensic investigations by identifying trace amounts of controlled substances.
