Recent advances in electrochemical sensor technologies for THC detection-a narrative review

Area of Science:

• Analytical Chemistry
• Materials Science
• Biotechnology

Background:

• Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is a key psychoactive and medicinal compound in cannabis.
• Accurate and rapid detection of THC is vital for various applications, including forensics, medical insights, and agricultural quality control.
• Electrochemical sensor technology is emerging as a promising solution for fast, simple, and cost-effective THC detection.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review recent advancements in sensor technologies for rapid and accurate THC detection.
• To focus on research from the past decade, particularly methods detecting THC directly without derivatization.
• To cover sensor applications in synthetic samples, plants, and oral fluid.

Main Methods:

• Narrative review of sensor technologies for THC detection.
• Analysis of research focusing on direct THC detection methods.
• Inclusion of studies on synthetic samples, plant matrices, and oral fluid.

Main Results:

• Electrochemical sensors demonstrate sufficient sensitivity for rapid, easy, and low-cost THC detection.
• These sensors offer a viable alternative to expensive chromatography and mass spectrometry methods.
• Potential applications include roadside testing, cannabis plant monitoring, and medical product development.

Conclusions:

• Key challenges include nonspecific interactions and matrix interference.
• Storage requirements for antibody or protein-modified sensors pose a hurdle.
• Development of durable and reusable sensors is a critical area for future research.