Straightforward screening of ketamine in forensic samples using voltammetry with screen-printed carbon graphite...

Area of Science:

• Analytical Chemistry
• Electrochemistry
• Forensic Science

Background:

• Ketamine (KET) misuse is a growing concern in illicit drug markets due to its stimulant and dissociative effects.
• Existing detection methods for KET in forensic samples can be complex and may lack selectivity.
• There is a need for rapid, reliable, and portable methods for identifying KET in forensic investigations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a selective and straightforward electrochemical detection method for ketamine (KET).
• To utilize screen-printed carbon graphite electrodes (SPE-Gr) and differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) for KET analysis.
• To validate the method's performance in detecting KET in real forensic samples and certified reference materials.

Main Methods:

• Development of an electrochemical sensing platform using screen-printed carbon graphite electrodes (SPE-Gr).
• Application of differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) for the detection of ketamine (KET).
• Optimization of the electrochemical method using Britton-Robinson buffer (0.1 mol L^-1, pH 7.0) and validation with interference and real samples.

Main Results:

• The developed electrochemical method successfully detected two oxidation peaks and three distinct reduction processes for ketamine (KET).
• The method demonstrated high reproducibility (RSD < 3.0% for peak currents) and selectivity, differentiating KET from common illicit substances like MDMA and cocaine.
• Linear dynamic ranges were established with low detection limits (0.5 μmol L^-1 for oxidation, 4.5 μmol L^-1 for reduction), and the method performed well on UNODC certified reference material and seized street samples.

Conclusions:

• The proposed electrochemical method provides a selective, sensitive, and reproducible means for detecting ketamine (KET) in forensic contexts.
• The use of SPE-Gr and DPV makes the method suitable for straightforward and portable screening of KET.
• This technique addresses the need for reliable forensic analysis of ketamine, contributing to public health and law enforcement efforts.