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de Faria LV, Macedo AA, Arantes LC, Matias TA, Ramos DLO, Richter EM, Dos Santos WTP, Muñoz RAA. Novel disposable and portable 3D-printed electrochemical apparatus for fast and selective screening of 25E-NBOH in forensic samples. Talanta 2024; 269:125476. [PMID: 38042144 DOI: 10.1016/j.talanta.2023.125476] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2023] [Revised: 11/20/2023] [Accepted: 11/22/2023] [Indexed: 12/04/2023]
Abstract
The advent of new psychoactive substances (NPS) has caused enormous difficulty for legal control since they are rapidly commercialized, and their chemical structures are routinely altered. In this aspect, derivatives phenethylamines, such as 25E-NBOH, have received great attention in the forensic scenario. Hence, we propose portable and cost-effective (U$ 5.00) 3D-printed devices for the electrochemical screening of 25E-NBOH for the first time. The cell and all electrodes were printed using acrylonitrile butadiene styrene filament (insulating material) and conductive filament (graphite embedded in a polylactic acid matrix), respectively, both by the fused deposition modeling (FDM) 3D printing technique. The electrochemical apparatus enables micro-volume analysis (50-2000 μL), especially important for low sample volumes. A mechanistic route for the electrochemical oxidation of 25E-NBOH is proposed based on cyclic voltammetric data, which showed two oxidation processes around +0.75 V and +1.00 V and a redox pair between +0.2 and -0.2 V (vs. graphite ink pseudo-reference). A fast and sensitive square-wave voltammetry method was developed, which exhibited a linear working range from 0.85 to 5.1 μmoL-1, detection limit of 0.2 μmol L-1, and good intra-electrode precision (n = 10, RSD <5.3 %). Inter-electrode measurements (n = 3, RSD <9.8 %) also attested that the electrode production process is reproducible. Interference tests in the presence of other drugs frequently found in blotting paper indicated high selectivity of the electrochemical method for screening of 25E-NBOH. Screening analysis of blotting paper confirmed the presence of 25E-NBOH in the seized samples. Moreover, a recovery percentage close to 100 % was found for a spiked saliva sample, suggesting the method's usefulness for quantitative purposes aimed at information on recent drug use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucas V de Faria
- Institute of Chemistry, Federal University of Uberlândia, Uberlândia, MG, 38400-902, Brazil; Department of Analytical Chemistry, Institute of Chemistry, Fluminense Federal University, 24020-141, Niterói, RJ, Brazil.
| | - Anne A Macedo
- Department of Chemistry, Federal University of the Jequitinhonha and Mucuri, Diamantina, MG, 39100-000, Brazil
| | - Luciano C Arantes
- Forensic Chemistry and Physics Laboratory, Institute of Forensic Science, Civil Police of the Brazilian Federal District, Brasília, DF, 70610-907, Brazil
| | - Tiago A Matias
- Institute of Chemistry, Federal University of Uberlândia, Uberlândia, MG, 38400-902, Brazil; Chemistry Department, Federal University of Espírito Santo - UFES, 29075-910, Vitória, ES, Brazil
| | - David L O Ramos
- Institute of Chemistry, Federal University of Uberlândia, Uberlândia, MG, 38400-902, Brazil
| | - Eduardo M Richter
- Institute of Chemistry, Federal University of Uberlândia, Uberlândia, MG, 38400-902, Brazil; National Institute of Science and Technology in Bioanalytics (INCT-Bio), Campinas, SP, Brazil
| | - Wallans T P Dos Santos
- Department of Pharmacy, Federal University of the Jequitinhonha and Mucuri, Diamantina, MG, 39100-000, Brazil
| | - Rodrigo A A Muñoz
- Institute of Chemistry, Federal University of Uberlândia, Uberlândia, MG, 38400-902, Brazil; National Institute of Science and Technology in Bioanalytics (INCT-Bio), Campinas, SP, Brazil.
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Diniz MCC, de Moura F, Machado Y, Coelho Neto J, Piccin E. A simple, quick and non-destructive approach for sampling drugs of abuse in tablets and blotter for qualitative analysis by paper spray mass spectrometry. ANALYTICAL METHODS : ADVANCING METHODS AND APPLICATIONS 2023; 15:6259-6265. [PMID: 37955245 DOI: 10.1039/d3ay01393f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2023]
Abstract
This study presents the development of a simple, fast, and inexpensive approach for the direct analysis of new psychoactive substances (NPS) in seized tablets and blotter paper, with improved sample preservation and increased analytical frequency. Paper triangles were gently rubbed against the surface of the samples containing synthetic drugs and then subjected to analysis by paper spray ionization mass spectrometry (PS-MS). Seized samples containing lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) and several other substances from the classes of amphetamines, N-benzyl-substituted phenethylamines, synthetic cathinones, and synthetic cannabinoids, were analysed. Three types of paper were tested (filter paper, blotter paper, and synthetic paper) and several combinations of spray solvents were studied for the optimization. All samples were weighed and photographed before and after sequences of analysis in order to attest to the sample preservation. The results revealed that the approach is excellent for sample preservation, with less than 5% of mass loss even after 27 consecutive analyses. Moreover, no significant signal decreases were observed in mass spectrometry (MS) even after the experiments. It was possible to unequivocally identify illicit substances from seized samples (pills and blotter paper). By overcoming the solubilization and wet extraction process used for sample preparation, the waste was restricted to a volume of only 10 μL of solvent for the PS-MS analysis. The main advantage of our approach over existing methods is the sample preparation, which is simple and quick since the samples are just rubbed against the PS paper. This brings enormous benefits in terms of analytical frequency, economy of time and low consumption of solvents. Another important point is that the sample can remain intact for further analysis, which is crucial in forensic analysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariana C C Diniz
- Departamento de Química, Instituto de Ciências Exatas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Antônio Carlos Ave., 6627, CEP 31270-901, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Fabiana de Moura
- Departamento de Química, Instituto de Ciências Exatas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Antônio Carlos Ave., 6627, CEP 31270-901, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
- Departamento de Química, Centro Federal de Educação Tecnológica de Minas Gerais, Amazonas Ave., 5253, CEP 30421-169, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Yuri Machado
- Seção Técnica de Física e Química Legal, Divisão de Laboratórios, Instituto de Criminalística, Superintendência de Polícia Técnico-Científica, Polícia Civil de Minas Gerais, Augusto de Lima Ave., 1833, CEP 30110-017, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil.
| | - José Coelho Neto
- Seção Técnica de Física e Química Legal, Divisão de Laboratórios, Instituto de Criminalística, Superintendência de Polícia Técnico-Científica, Polícia Civil de Minas Gerais, Augusto de Lima Ave., 1833, CEP 30110-017, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil.
- Departamento de Física, Instituto de Ciências Exatas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Antônio Carlos Ave., 6627, CEP 31270-901, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Evandro Piccin
- Departamento de Química, Instituto de Ciências Exatas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Antônio Carlos Ave., 6627, CEP 31270-901, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
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Zhai W, Qiao Z, Xiang P, Dang Y, Shi Y. A UPLC-MS/MS methodological approach for the analysis of 75 phenethylamines and their derivatives in hair. J Pharm Biomed Anal 2023; 229:115367. [PMID: 37018959 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpba.2023.115367] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2023] [Revised: 03/10/2023] [Accepted: 03/24/2023] [Indexed: 03/28/2023]
Abstract
A rapid ultra-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS) method was developed and validated for the targeted analysis of 75 phenethylamines and their derivatives from the hair matrix. The monitored classes of phenethylamines included the 2C series, D series, N-benzyl derivatives, mescaline-derived compounds, MDMA analogs, and benzodifurans. Approximately 20 mg of hair was weighed and pulverized with 0.1% formic acid in methanol by cryogenic grinding. After ultrasonication, centrifugation, and filtration, the supernatant was analyzed by LC-MS/MS operating in the scheduled multiple reaction monitoring mode. Phenethylamines and their derivatives were separated in 13 min on a biphenyl column (2.6 µm, 100 Å, 100 × 3.0 mm) using a gradient eluting mobile phase composed of 0.1% formic acid in water and acetonitrile. The developed and validated method showed good selectivity, sensitivity (LOD: 0.5-10 pg/mg and LOQ: 1-20 pg/mg), linearity (R2 > 0.997), accuracy and precision (< 20%), and stability. The method also showed good recovery and acceptable matrix effects for most of the targeted compounds. This analytical approach was successfully applied for the identification and quantification of phenethylamines in hair from authentic forensic cases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenya Zhai
- Department of Forensic Toxicology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Forensic Medicine, Shanghai Forensic Science Platform, Academy of Forensic Science, Shanghai, China; College of Medicine and Forensics, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi'an, China
| | - Zheng Qiao
- Department of Forensic Toxicology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Forensic Medicine, Shanghai Forensic Science Platform, Academy of Forensic Science, Shanghai, China
| | - Ping Xiang
- Department of Forensic Toxicology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Forensic Medicine, Shanghai Forensic Science Platform, Academy of Forensic Science, Shanghai, China
| | - Yonghui Dang
- College of Medicine and Forensics, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi'an, China
| | - Yan Shi
- Department of Forensic Toxicology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Forensic Medicine, Shanghai Forensic Science Platform, Academy of Forensic Science, Shanghai, China.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Love
- United States Drug Enforcement Administration, Special Testing and Research Laboratory, USA
| | - Nicole S. Jones
- RTI International, Applied Justice Research Division, Center for Forensic Sciences, 3040 E. Cornwallis Road, Research Triangle Park, NC, 22709-2194, USA,70113th Street, N.W., Suite 750, Washington, DC, 20005-3967, USA,Corresponding author. RTI International, Applied Justice Research Division, Center for Forensic Sciences, 3040 E. Cornwallis Road, Research Triangle Park, NC, 22709-2194, USA.
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Nieddu M, Baralla E, Sodano F, Boatto G. Analysis of 2,5-dimethoxy-amphetamines and 2,5-dimethoxy-phenethylamines aiming their determination in biological matrices: a review. Forensic Toxicol 2023; 41:1-24. [PMID: 36652064 PMCID: PMC9849320 DOI: 10.1007/s11419-022-00638-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2022] [Accepted: 08/19/2022] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE The present review aims to provide an overview of methods for the quantification of 2,5-dimethoxy-amphetamines and -phenethylamines in different biological matrices, both traditional and alternative ones. METHODS A complete literature search was carried out with PubMed, Scopus and the World Wide Web using relevant keywords, e.g., designer drugs, amphetamines, phenethylamines, and biological matrices. RESULTS Synthetic phenethylamines represent one of the largest classes of "designer drugs", obtained through chemical structure modifications of psychoactive substances to increase their pharmacological activities. This practice is also favored by the fact that every new synthetic compound is not considered illegal by existing legislation. Generally, in a toxicological laboratory, the first monitoring of drugs of abuse is made by rapid screening tests that sometimes can occur in false positive or false negative results. To reduce evaluation errors, it is mandatory to submit the positive samples to confirmatory methods, such as gas chromatography or liquid chromatography combined to mass spectrometry, for a more specific qualitative and quantitative analysis. CONCLUSIONS This review highlights the great need for updated comprehensive analytical methods, particularly when analyzing biological matrices, both traditional and alternative ones, for the search of newly emerging designer drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Nieddu
- Department of Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Sassari, 07100, Sassari, Italy.
| | - Elena Baralla
- grid.11450.310000 0001 2097 9138Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Sassari, 07100 Sassari, Italy
| | - Federica Sodano
- grid.4691.a0000 0001 0790 385XDepartment of Pharmacy, University of Naples Federico II, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Gianpiero Boatto
- grid.11450.310000 0001 2097 9138Department of Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Sassari, 07100 Sassari, Italy
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Gallart-Mateu D, Béjar-Grimalt J, Esteve-Turrillas F, Armenta S, Garrigues S, de la Guardia M. A synergetic approach based on infrared spectroscopy and ion mobility spectrometry for the analysis of seized blotters: Boosting performance. Microchem J 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.microc.2022.107810] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/16/2022]
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Ivory ST, Rotella JA, Schumann J, Greene SL. A cluster of 25B-NBOH poisonings following exposure to powder sold as lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD). Clin Toxicol (Phila) 2022; 60:966-969. [PMID: 35343858 DOI: 10.1080/15563650.2022.2053150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION 25B-NBOH is a synthetic hallucinogen closely related to the "NBOMe" family of N-substituted 2C phenethylamine derivatives. There have been no published reports documenting the clinical toxicity of NBOH derivatives. CASE SERIES Five patients presented to the Emergency Department (ED) with altered conscious state following exposure to powder sold as "powdered LSD" at a party. A 24-year-old male who ingested the powder developed mydriasis, tachycardia, hypertension, and severe agitation requiring parenteral sedation. A 22-year-old male who insufflated the powder developed status epilepticus requiring intubation. Both patients developed acute kidney injury and one had rhabdomyolysis. In both cases, blood analysis detected 25-NBOH and no other illicit/licit drugs. Three other patients developed mild hallucinations. Hyperthermia was not documented in any case. DISCUSSION Exposure to 25B-NBOH in a powdered form produced sympathomimetic toxicity, including hallucinations. Insufflation of 25B-NBOH led to rapid onset of status epilepticus in one case. Toxicity in all cases resolved within 12 h. Despite in vitro evidence of 5-HT2A receptor agonism, hyperthermia was not observed. Potent hallucinogens are often delivered via blotter paper to avoid excessive dosing. The severe clinical toxicity documented in these cases highlights the potential for development of adverse health effects with exposure to apparent small volumes of potent sympathomimetics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sean T Ivory
- Department of Emergency Medicine, The Northern Hospital, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Joe-Anthony Rotella
- Department of Emergency Medicine, The Northern Hospital, Melbourne, Australia.,Victorian Poisons Information Centre, Austin Health, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Jennifer Schumann
- Victorian Institute of Forensic Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Shaun L Greene
- Victorian Poisons Information Centre, Austin Health, Melbourne, Australia
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Yoon KS, Cha HJ, Choi SO, Lee JM. 2-((2-(4-Iodo-2,5-dimethoxyphenyl)ethylamino)methyl)phenol (25I-NBOH) and 2-(((2-(4-chloro-2,5-dimethoxyphenyl)ethyl)amino)methyl)phenol (25C-NBOH) induce adverse effects on the cardiovascular system. Toxicol Lett 2022; 355:160-169. [PMID: 34843874 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxlet.2021.11.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2021] [Revised: 10/30/2021] [Accepted: 11/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Two new psychoactive substances (NPSs) classified as phenethylamines, namely 2-((2-(4-Iodo-2,5-dimethoxyphenyl)ethylamino)methyl)phenol (25I-NBOH) and 2-(((2-(4-chloro-2,5-dimethoxyphenyl)ethyl)amino)methyl)phenol (25C-NBOH), are being abused by people seeking recreational hallucinogens. These NPSs may cause serious health problems as their adverse effects are not known in most cases. Therefore, in the present study, we evaluated the cardiotoxicity of 25I-NBOH and 25C-NBOH using 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay, rat electrocardiography (ECG), Langendorff test, and human ether-a-go-go-related gene (hERG) assay. Furthermore, we analyzed the expression levels of p21 CDC42/RAC1-activated kinase 1 (PAK1), which is known to play various roles in the cardiovascular system. In the MTT assay, treatment with 25I-NBOH or 25C-NBOH dramatically decreased viability of H9c2 cardiomyocytes. Meanwhile, these two compounds significantly increased QT intervals and RR intervals in the rat ECG measurement. 25I-NBOH down-regulated the PAK1 protein expression in rat primary cardiomyocytes as well as H9c2 cells. However, 25C-NBOH had no effect on the PAK1 expression in H9c2 cells. In an in-depth study, 25I-NBOH inhibited potassium channels in the hERG assay, but in ex vivo test, the substance did not affect the left ventricular developed pressure (LVDP) and heart rate of the isolated rat hearts. Taken together, these results suggest that both 25I-NBOH and 25C-NBOH may have adverse cardiovascular effect. Further investigation would be needed to determine which factors mainly influence the relationship between PAK1 expression and cardiotoxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyung Sik Yoon
- National Institute of Food and Drug Safety Evaluation, Ministry of Food and Drug Safety, Osong, Cheongju, Republic of Korea.
| | - Hye Jin Cha
- National Institute of Food and Drug Safety Evaluation, Ministry of Food and Drug Safety, Osong, Cheongju, Republic of Korea.
| | - Sun Ok Choi
- National Institute of Food and Drug Safety Evaluation, Ministry of Food and Drug Safety, Osong, Cheongju, Republic of Korea.
| | - Jin-Moo Lee
- National Institute of Food and Drug Safety Evaluation, Ministry of Food and Drug Safety, Osong, Cheongju, Republic of Korea.
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de Barros WA, Nunes CDS, Souza JADCR, Nascimento IJDS, Figueiredo IM, de Aquino TM, Vieira L, Farias D, Santos JCC, de Fátima Â. The new psychoactive substances 25H-NBOMe and 25H-NBOH induce abnormal development in the zebrafish embryo and interact in the DNA major groove. Curr Res Toxicol 2021; 2:386-398. [PMID: 34888530 PMCID: PMC8637007 DOI: 10.1016/j.crtox.2021.11.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2021] [Revised: 10/19/2021] [Accepted: 11/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
25H-NBOMe and 25H-NBOH recreational drugs induces abnormal formation in zebrafish embryos. Biophysical and theoretical studies indicate that these drugs have affinity for the DNA major groove. The toxicity observed in the zebrafish embryos and DNA interaction may be correlated.
Toxicological effects of 25H-NBOMe and 25H-NBOH recreational drugs on zebrafish embryos and larvae at the end of 96 h exposure period were demonstrated. 25H-NBOH and 25H-NBOMe caused high embryo mortality at 80 and 100 µg mL−1, respectively. According to the decrease in the concentration tested, lethality decreased while non-lethal effects were predominant up to 10 and 50 µg mL−1 of 25H-NBOH and 25H-NBOMe, respectively, including spine malformation, egg hatching delay, body malformation, otolith malformation, pericardial edema, and blood clotting. We can disclose that these drugs have an affinity for DNA in vitro using biophysical spectroscopic assays and molecular modeling methods. The experiments demonstrated that 25H-NBOH and 25H-NBOMe bind to the unclassical major groove of ctDNA with a binding constant of 27.00 × 104 M−1 and 5.27 × 104 M−1, respectively. Furthermore, these interactions lead to conformational changes in the DNA structure. Therefore, the results observed in the zebrafish embryos and DNA may be correlated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wellington Alves de Barros
- Departamento de Química, Instituto de Ciências Exatas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Camila da Silva Nunes
- Instituto de Química e Biotecnologia, Universidade Federal de Alagoas, Maceió, AL, Brazil
| | | | | | | | | | - Leonardo Vieira
- Departamento de Biologia Molecular, Universidade Federal da Paraíba, João Pessoa, PB, Brazil
| | - Davi Farias
- Departamento de Biologia Molecular, Universidade Federal da Paraíba, João Pessoa, PB, Brazil
| | | | - Ângelo de Fátima
- Departamento de Química, Instituto de Ciências Exatas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
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Kim NS, Lim NY, Choi HS, Lee JH, Kim H, Baek SY. Application of a simultaneous screening method for the detection of new psychoactive substances in various matrix samples using liquid chromatography/electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry and liquid chromatography/quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry. RAPID COMMUNICATIONS IN MASS SPECTROMETRY : RCM 2021; 35:e9067. [PMID: 33656207 DOI: 10.1002/rcm.9067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2020] [Revised: 02/01/2021] [Accepted: 02/06/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
RATIONALE Recently, new psychoactive substances (NPS) have emerged as a public health risk. Particularly, their chemical structures are modified to avoid detection. Synthetic NPS with effects similar to those of illegal drugs have been recently detected and synthesized worldwide, including MDMB-FUBINACA and APINAC, making it essential to rapidly and accurately detect NPS. METHODS Fourteen NPS with similar structures were selected and their structures identified using 1 H and 13 C NMR spectroscopy. Additionally, we proposed the fragmentation pattern of each compound using liquid chromatography/quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (LC/QTOF-MS). A simultaneous analytical method using liquid chromatography/electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry (LC/ESI-MS/MS) was also developed and applied to real samples to detect the 14 NPS. The method was validated based on the specificity, linearity, limit of detection (LOD), limit of quantification (LOQ), precision, accuracy, matrix effect, and stability according to international validation guidelines. RESULTS The established method was used to screen 65 different matrix samples using LC/ESI-MS/MS. By comparing the calculated product ion ratios with those of standards, 2C-B in one of the real samples and 5F-MDMB-PICA in 20 samples were identified. For re-confirmation of detected compounds, the fragmentation pattern of each compound was compared with that of each standard using LC/QTOF-MS. CONCLUSIONS In this study, LC/QTOF-MS data were used to elucidate the structures and fragmentation patterns of 14 NPS. A simultaneous method was developed using LC/ESI-MS/MS, which was applied to 65 real samples. The presented method and results can assist in ensuring the safety of public health from illegal adulteration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nam Sook Kim
- Center for Advanced Analysis, National Institute of Food and Drug Safety Evaluation, Ministry of Food and Drug Safety, Osong Health Technology Administration Complex, 187 Osongsaengmyeong2-ro, Osongeup, Heungdeok-gu, Cheongju-si, Chungcheongbuk-do, 363-700, Republic of Korea
| | - Na Young Lim
- Center for Advanced Analysis, National Institute of Food and Drug Safety Evaluation, Ministry of Food and Drug Safety, Osong Health Technology Administration Complex, 187 Osongsaengmyeong2-ro, Osongeup, Heungdeok-gu, Cheongju-si, Chungcheongbuk-do, 363-700, Republic of Korea
| | - Hwan Seong Choi
- Center for Advanced Analysis, National Institute of Food and Drug Safety Evaluation, Ministry of Food and Drug Safety, Osong Health Technology Administration Complex, 187 Osongsaengmyeong2-ro, Osongeup, Heungdeok-gu, Cheongju-si, Chungcheongbuk-do, 363-700, Republic of Korea
| | - Ji Hyun Lee
- Center for Advanced Analysis, National Institute of Food and Drug Safety Evaluation, Ministry of Food and Drug Safety, Osong Health Technology Administration Complex, 187 Osongsaengmyeong2-ro, Osongeup, Heungdeok-gu, Cheongju-si, Chungcheongbuk-do, 363-700, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyungil Kim
- Center for Advanced Analysis, National Institute of Food and Drug Safety Evaluation, Ministry of Food and Drug Safety, Osong Health Technology Administration Complex, 187 Osongsaengmyeong2-ro, Osongeup, Heungdeok-gu, Cheongju-si, Chungcheongbuk-do, 363-700, Republic of Korea
| | - Sun Young Baek
- Center for Advanced Analysis, National Institute of Food and Drug Safety Evaluation, Ministry of Food and Drug Safety, Osong Health Technology Administration Complex, 187 Osongsaengmyeong2-ro, Osongeup, Heungdeok-gu, Cheongju-si, Chungcheongbuk-do, 363-700, Republic of Korea
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Meira VL, de Oliveira AS, Cohen LSA, de A Bhering C, de Oliveira KM, de Siqueira DS, de Oliveira MAM, Aquino Neto FRD, Vanini G. Chemical and statistical analyses of blotter paper matrix drugs seized in the State of Rio de Janeiro. Forensic Sci Int 2020; 318:110588. [PMID: 33278694 DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2020.110588] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2020] [Revised: 10/26/2020] [Accepted: 11/04/2020] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
Drugs of abuse are psychoactive substances illicitly distributed and used worldwide. In Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, they represent a public health issue and are directly related to several social problems. The recent increase in appearances of new psychoactive substances (NPS), derived from structural modifications of existing psychoactive substances, poses a threat to public health and forensic laboratories worldwide, as little is known about these substances. This study aimed to chemically and geographically map drugs of abuse from blotter papers seized by the Civil Police of Rio de Janeiro State (PCERJ) between 2006 and 2019. High-performance analytical techniques, such as gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and Orbitrap mass spectrometry (Orbitrap-MS), combined with statistical analyses, were employed to characterize the seized samples. The most common chemical compounds in NPS found in this study were synthetic phenethylamines, i.e., molecules from the 25I-NBOH (2-(((4-iodo-2,5-dimethoxyphenethyl)amino)methyl)phenol) and 25I-NBOMe (2-(4-iodo-2,5-dimethoxyphenyl)-N-(2-methoxybenzyl)ethanamine) families. Prior to 2014, the majority of seized blotter papers contained lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) and were concentrated in the Metropolitan region. An upsurge in blotter paper seizures was observed from 2014 to 2017; the most common substances during this time were from the NBOMe family. NBOH compounds emerged in 2016 in coastal regions with high tourism, reaching over 1300 items only in 2017. Only one synthetic cannabinoid was found among the blotter papers seized in Rio de Janeiro between 2006 and 2019. The assembled chemical data and statistical analyses allowed the mapping and monitoring of the chemical profiles of the seized blotter papers, providing a strong foundation for the understanding of the origins and movement of these drugs around the RJ State.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vinícius L Meira
- Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Instituto de Química, NAF - LADETEC, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, 21941-909, Brazil
| | - Adriana S de Oliveira
- PCERJ, SEPOL, Instituto de Criminalística Carlos Éboli (ICCE), Rio de Janeiro, RJ, 20060-050, Brazil.
| | - Luciana S A Cohen
- PCERJ, SEPOL, Instituto de Criminalística Carlos Éboli (ICCE), Rio de Janeiro, RJ, 20060-050, Brazil
| | - Cecília de A Bhering
- Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Instituto de Química, NAF - LADETEC, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, 21941-909, Brazil
| | - Karen M de Oliveira
- Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Instituto de Química, NAF - LADETEC, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, 21941-909, Brazil
| | - Denilson S de Siqueira
- PCERJ, SEPOL, Instituto de Criminalística Carlos Éboli (ICCE), Rio de Janeiro, RJ, 20060-050, Brazil
| | - Marco Antônio Martins de Oliveira
- PCERJ, SEPOL, Instituto de Criminalística Carlos Éboli (ICCE), Rio de Janeiro, RJ, 20060-050, Brazil; Universidade Federal Fluminense, Instituto de Química, GQA, Niterói, RJ, 24020-141, Brazil
| | - Francisco R de Aquino Neto
- Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Instituto de Química, NAF - LADETEC, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, 21941-909, Brazil
| | - Gabriela Vanini
- Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Instituto de Química, NAF - LADETEC, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, 21941-909, Brazil
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Triple quadrupole–mass spectrometry protocols for the analysis of NBOMes and NBOHs in blotter papers. Forensic Sci Int 2020; 309:110184. [DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2020.110184] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2019] [Revised: 01/16/2020] [Accepted: 02/03/2020] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
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