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An amperometric opiate assay
P J Holt1, L D Stephens, N C Bruce
1Institute of Biotechnology, University of Cambridge, UK.
Biosensors & Bioelectronics
|January 1, 1995
Summary
Researchers developed a novel enzymatic assay for detecting heroin and morphine. This new method offers a rapid and sensitive alternative to existing chromatographic and immunoassay techniques for opioid detection.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Analytical Chemistry
- Enzymology
Background:
- Current methods for detecting diacetylmorphine (heroin) and morphine rely on chromatography or immunoassay.
- No enzymatic detection methods have been previously reported for these opioids or their metabolite, morphine-3-glucuronide (M3G).
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a novel enzymatic assay for the detection and measurement of diacetylmorphine (heroin) and morphine.
- To characterize novel microbial enzymes for potential use in opioid detection.
Main Methods:
- Isolation and characterization of two novel microbial enzymes: acetylmorphine carboxyesterase (heroin esterase) and morphine dehydrogenase (MDH).
- Incorporation of these enzymes into an amperometric assay using phenazine methosulphate as a mediator.
Main Results:
- The novel enzymes demonstrated high specificity for heroin and morphine.
- The developed amperometric assay provided a rapid and sensitive response to heroin and morphine.
- A detection limit for morphine of 6.8 µg/mL (23.7 µM) was achieved.
Conclusions:
- A new, highly specific enzymatic method for detecting heroin and morphine has been successfully developed.
- This enzymatic assay presents a promising, sensitive, and rapid alternative to existing opioid detection techniques.