A method based on surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) spectroscopy was developed to meet the need for the reliable and rapid identification of illicit drugs such as the 'designer drug' XTC, preferably to increase the security of legal certificates. A matrix stabilized silver halide dispersion on a microtiter plate is used as the SERS-active substrate, providing an easy to use system for sample preparation and probing by means of a Raman microscope. The potential of the method is demonstrated by applying it to the identification of the psychoactive ingredients of drug containing tablets which were confiscated by the local police at techno-music events. The samples of interest were 26 different brands of XTC tablets and several pieces of evidence (powders) containing amphetamine. For reference, we show SERS and Raman spectra of pristine amphetamine, methamphetamine, 3,4-methylenedioxyamphetamine, 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) and 3,4-methylenedioxyethamphetamine.
Moderne, schnelle Bildgebungsverfahren erlauben uns heute, molekulare Prozesse in der Zelle live zu beobachten und leisten damit einen großen Beitrag zum besseren Verständnis der Vorgänge in der Zelle. Ein in den letzten Jahren entwickeltes Verfahren ist die CARS‐Mikroskopie (Coherent Anti‐Stokes Raman Scattering). Damit lassen sich Schwingungszustände von Molekülen abbilden, da molekulare Eigenschwingungen spezifische Fingerabdrücke im Schwingungsspektrum hinterlassen. Eric Potma, Dozent an der Universität Kalifornien, Irvine, USA, erklärt, wie sein Team dieses neue Abbildungsverfahren einsetzt und welche Perspektiven er für den zukünftigen Einsatz der CARS‐Mikroskopie sieht.
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