Detecting the Undetectable: Analytical Strategies for Novel Psychoactive Substances

The constant emergence of novel psychoactive substances (NPS) poses significant analytical challenges due to their structural diversity, low concentrations in complex biological matrices, and the limited availability of certified reference materials. This review summarizes current and emerging analytical strategies for detecting novel substances and evaluates the contribution of innovative technologies for toxicological surveillance.

Studies addressing analytical techniques for NPS detection including chromatographic, spectrometric, ambient ionization, and artificial intelligence (AI)-assisted methods were systematically reviewed, with emphasis on applicability, sensitivity, and adaptability in clinical, forensic, and environmental contexts.

Conventional techniques such as liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry and immunoassays provide reliable detection of known compounds but are limited by their targeted scope for detecting newly synthesized analogs. High-resolution mass spectrometry, nuclear magnetic resonance, and direct ionization approaches offer broader detection capabilities but remain resource-intensive. Recent advances in AI-including spectral prediction, structural classification, and de novo compound generation-offer promising new avenues for untargeted screening and early compound identification. In addition, emerging tools such as molecular networking, wastewater-based epidemiology, and portable mass spectrometry devices further enhance real-time monitoring and surveillance capacity.

An integrated, adaptive analytical framework combining high-resolution mass spectrometry, ambient ionization, and AI-driven data analysis will help address the fast-evolving NPS landscape. Standardization of reference materials, harmonization across laboratories, and interdisciplinary collaboration between chemists, clinicians, and regulatory agencies will be key to improving the speed, sensitivity, and public health impact of NPS detection.