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Ambient ionization mass spectrometry applied to new psychoactive substance analysis
Maria Del Mar Boronat Ena1, David A Cowan1, Vincenzo Abbate1
1Department of Analytical, Environmental and Forensic Sciences, King's College London, Faculty of Life Sciences & Medicine, London, UK.
Mass Spectrometry Reviews
|May 26, 2021
Summary
New psychoactive substances (NPS) present detection challenges. Ambient ionization mass spectrometry offers a rapid, cost-effective solution for identifying these novel drugs in forensic and clinical toxicology.
Area of Science:
- Forensic Chemistry
- Analytical Chemistry
- Toxicology
Background:
- The emergence of new psychoactive substances (NPS) with effects similar to controlled drugs like cannabis and amphetamines poses significant challenges.
- The rapid synthesis and structural variability of NPS complicate their detection and legal control.
Purpose of the Study:
- This review critically evaluates the suitability of ambient ionization techniques for analyzing NPS.
- Focus is placed on applications within forensic and clinical toxicology.
Main Methods:
- The review examines current ambient ionization mass spectrometry techniques.
- Consideration is given to analytical performance, including ionization efficiency, selectivity, sensitivity, and quantification.
- Ease of implementation, analyte chemistry, molecular coverage, validation, and practicality are also assessed.
Main Results:
- Ambient ionization mass spectrometry is increasingly favored for NPS analysis due to its speed, simplicity, and low operating cost.
- The review provides a critique of the analytical performance and practical applicability of these techniques for NPS detection.
Conclusions:
- Ambient ionization mass spectrometry shows promise for the rapid and efficient analysis of NPS in forensic and clinical toxicology.
- Further validation and consideration of practical implementation are crucial for widespread adoption.
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