Affinity Assays for Cannabinoids Detection: Are They Amenable to On-Site Screening?

Area of Science:

• Forensic Science
• Analytical Chemistry
• Biotechnology

Background:

• Illicit drug testing, particularly for tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), demands simple, rapid, and cost-effective roadside methods.
• Non-invasive detection tools are increasingly needed for analyzing biological samples like breath, saliva, and urine.
• Cannabinoid detection is vital for law enforcement and anti-doping agencies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review current detection methods for cannabinoids and their metabolites in biofluids.
• To highlight affinity biosensor formats suitable for on-site screening.
• To discuss applications in roadside drug testing and anti-doping control.

Main Methods:

• Overview of biosensor technologies including fluorescent, electrochemical, colorimetric, and magnetoresistive platforms.
• Emphasis on affinity-based detection formats for rapid screening.
• Corroboration of detection results with pharmacokinetic data to estimate drug use patterns.

Main Results:

• Various biosensor types show promise for detecting cannabinoid metabolites.
• Affinity biosensors are particularly amenable to on-site, rapid screening applications.
• Pharmacokinetic data can aid in interpreting drug exposure and frequency.

Conclusions:

• Biosensor technology offers viable solutions for roadside cannabinoid testing.
• Non-invasive detection of cannabinoid metabolites is advancing rapidly.
• These methods support efficient roadside screening and anti-doping initiatives.