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A conventional Raman spectrophotometer includes a laser source, a sample holding system, a wavelength selector, and a detector.
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The underlying principle of Raman spectroscopy is based on the interaction between light and matter, specifically molecules' inelastic scattering of photons. When a monochromatic beam of light, typically from a laser source, interacts with a sample, most scattered light has the same frequency as the incident light. This is known as Rayleigh scattering.
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Detecting fentanyl analogs in counterfeit pharmaceuticals by surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy using handheld Raman

Sevde Dogruer Erkok1, Martin M Kimani2, Adam Lanzarotta2

  • 1Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Florida International University, Miami, FL, USA.

Forensic Science International
|October 9, 2025
PubMed
Summary

Surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) offers a highly sensitive method for detecting fentanyl and its analogs in counterfeit pills. This portable technique achieved 100% sensitivity, aiding law enforcement in identifying dangerous substances.

Keywords:
Counterfeit tabletsFentanyl analogsHandheld spectrometerNanoparticle colloidsSurface enhanced Raman spectroscopy

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Area of Science:

  • Analytical Chemistry
  • Forensic Science
  • Spectroscopy

Background:

  • Fentanyl and its analogs are major contributors to drug overdose deaths in the US, with counterfeit pills posing a significant threat.
  • Law enforcement agencies are seizing millions of fentanyl-laced counterfeit pills, highlighting the need for rapid detection methods.
  • Portable analytical techniques are crucial for field identification of illicit substances.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To demonstrate the efficacy of surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) for the presumptive detection of fentanyl and its analogs in counterfeit tablets.
  • To evaluate the performance of portable Raman instruments with different laser wavelengths (785 nm and 1064 nm) for SERS analysis.
  • To assess the sensitivity and selectivity of SERS in identifying fentanyl and fentanyl analogs in seized counterfeit pills.

Main Methods:

  • Utilized two portable Raman spectrometers (785 nm and 1064 nm lasers).
  • Employed commercial silver nanoparticles and synthesized gold/silver nanostars for surface-enhancement.
  • Analyzed 14 seized counterfeit tablets containing fentanyl or its analogs.

Main Results:

  • SERS correctly identified fentanyl or a fentanyl analog in 100% of the analyzed counterfeit tablets.
  • The 1064 nm laser configuration provided clearer and more consistent spectral data compared to the 785 nm laser.
  • No significant differences in sensitivity were observed between the nanoparticle types used for SERS.

Conclusions:

  • SERS is a highly sensitive and selective technique for the presumptive detection of fentanyl and fentanyl analogs in counterfeit tablets.
  • Portable Raman spectroscopy, particularly with a 1064 nm laser, shows great promise for field-based forensic analysis.
  • This method can significantly aid law enforcement in identifying and interdicting dangerous counterfeit drug supplies.