Distance-based detection of paracetamol in microfluidic paper-based analytical devices for forensic application

Area of Science:

• Analytical Chemistry
• Forensic Science
• Materials Science

Background:

• Whisky adulteration is a significant issue, often involving the addition of pharmaceuticals like paracetamol (PAR).
• Traditional methods for PAR quantification, such as high-performance liquid chromatography, are time-consuming and generate substantial waste.
• There is a critical need for portable, user-friendly, and cost-effective analytical devices for on-site beverage analysis.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and validate a selective, distance-based quantification method for paracetamol (PAR) in whisky samples.
• To utilize a paper-based microfluidic analytical device (μPAD) for colorimetric detection of PAR.
• To provide a portable and rapid alternative to conventional analytical techniques for forensic applications.

Main Methods:

• Development of a paper-based microfluidic analytical device (μPAD) for selective PAR detection.
• Optimization of detection conditions using a mixture of Fe(III) and K3[Fe(CN)6] with whisky samples on the μPAD.
• Colorimetric analysis of PAR using the developed μPAD, with results compared against a referenced method.

Main Results:

• The developed μPAD method demonstrated linear behavior for PAR quantification in the range of 15 to 120 mg L⁻¹, with a high determination coefficient (0.998).
• The paper-based device showed excellent sensitivity, capable of detecting approximately one drop of 200 mg mL⁻¹ PAR in 1 L of solution.
• No significant differences were observed between the μPAD results and the referenced method at a 95% confidence level, validating its accuracy.

Conclusions:

• The paper-based microfluidic analytical device (μPAD) offers a cost-effective, rapid, and sensitive method for detecting paracetamol (PAR) adulteration in whisky.
• This portable and user-friendly technology minimizes sample and reagent consumption, reducing waste.
• The μPAD is a viable alternative for field analysis in forensic settings, including criminal scenes, customs, and police operations.