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Published on: February 5, 2018
Fentanyl and Fentanyl Analog Screening Using ASAP-MS With LiveID Confirmation
Karen A Reyes Monroy1, Rachel Koerber1, Guido F Verbeck1
1Department of Chemistry, The University of North Texas, Denton, Texas, USA.
Rapid Communications in Mass Spectrometry : RCM
|January 28, 2025
Summary
A new database of fentanyl analog mass spectra, created using Atmospheric Pressure Solids Analysis Probe (ASAP) mass spectrometry, enables rapid identification of these dangerous synthetic opioids in real-time.
Area of Science:
- Forensic Chemistry
- Analytical Chemistry
- Mass Spectrometry
Background:
- Fentanyl and its analogs represent a significant public health threat.
- The emergence of numerous fentanyl analogs necessitates advanced analytical methods for detection and characterization.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and validate a rapid analytical method for the identification of fentanyl analogs.
- To create a comprehensive spectral database for synthetic opioids.
Main Methods:
- Atmospheric Pressure Solids Analysis Probe (ASAP) mass spectrometry was employed for the analysis of 250 synthetic opioid standards.
- Four cone voltages (5, 15, 35, 50 V) were used to generate mass spectral fingerprint data.
- A spectral library of fentanyl analogs was integrated into LiveID software.
Main Results:
- An ASAP+ database, containing the largest compendium of mass spectra for fentanyl analogs, was established.
- The LiveID software successfully identified fentanyl analogs in blind samples and reaction mixtures with high accuracy (top three ranked matches).
Conclusions:
- The RADIAN ASAP system coupled with real-time recognition software serves as an effective presumptive screening tool for fentanyl analogs.
- This approach offers a promising alternative to conventional analytical screening techniques for synthetic opioids.
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