Comparison of commercial surface‐enhanced Raman spectroscopy substrates for the analysis of cocaine. Issue 5 (19th July 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Alder, Rhiannon; Xiao, Linda; Fu, Shanlin
• Other Names: Cawley Adam guestEditor.
• Is Part Of: Drug testing and analysis. Volume 13:Issue 5(2021)
• Page Start: 944
• Page End: 952
• Publication Date: 2020-07-19
• Subjects: cocaine -- Raman spectroscopy -- SERS -- illicit drug analysis -- oral fluid; Drugs -- Analysis -- Periodicals; Drug testing -- Periodicals; Chemistry, Forensic -- Periodicals; 615.1901
• DOI: 10.1002/dta.2894
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1942-7603

Abstract

Abstract: The use of illicit drugs across the world causes issues for users, healthcare workers and the public. Therefore, rapid and reliable onsite testing methods to detect these drugs are required. In this study, seven commercial surface‐enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) substrates A–G were compared for the analysis of cocaine. These substrates were compared using scanning electron microscopy to study the surface structure and Raman spectroscopy and to determine if there was any enhancement of the cocaine bands. Substrate B provided the best enhancement of known cocaine vibrational bands, allowing the detection down to concentrations of 1 ng/mL in standards and 10 ng/mL extracted from the oral fluid. The results showed that SERS is an ideal method for future rapid onsite analysis of illicit drugs in oral fluid. Commercial SERS substrates were compared for the analysis of cocaine. Substrate B provided the best result and was further tested with lower concentrations and extracts from the oral fluid. The application to oral fluid testing could prove useful for future onsite analysis. Abstract : Commercial SERS substrates were compared for the analysis of cocaine. Substate B performed the best and was further tested with lower concentrations and extracts from oral fluid. The application to oral fluid testing could prove useful for future onsite analysis.