On‐site detection of succinylcholine in biomedical matrix by surface‐enhanced Raman spectroscopy

Abstract

Choline receptor blocker succinylcholine (suxamethonium [SUX]) is a depolarizing neuromuscular blocking agent to relax muscles. It is often used in clinic to conduct auxiliary endotracheal intubation as a surgical anesthetic inducer, which can cause respiratory depression and cardiac arrest. In recent years, SUX was occasionally used for theft and crime by daubing on darts, resulting in intoxication or even death. Regarding the rapid detection demand of SUX in first aid and emergency response, a bit of challenges still existed, especially towards biomedical samples due to its properties of high hydrophilic, alkali‐liable, low onset concentration, and susceptibility to cholinesterase. In this report, we described an on‐site surface‐enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) method on SUX in the first time. We found that key parameters facilitated this SERS method including MgI2‐induced appropriate aggregation and higher pH, in which enhanced electrostatic interaction between analyte and AuNPs occurred, and larger adsorption capacity of AuNPs, which makes the sensitive measurement of alkali‐liable SUX become possible. Coupled with simple and optimized pretreatment procedures, successful measurement of SUX in plasma and urine samples was also achieved. The limit of detection reached 1 μg/L in plasma and 10 μg/L in urine. We regarded acids for precipitating abundant proteins and inhibited cholinesterase activity in plasma and proteins for assisting antiagglomeration of AuNPs when coexisted with plenty of inorganic salts in urine, as the critical parameters in sample pretreatment. We hope this method can find its great potential in forensic and clinical diagnosis in case of SUX poisoning or intoxication.

Elucidating fentanyls differentiation from morphines in chemical and biological samples with surface‐enhanced Raman spectroscopy

“…MgI 2 , as the most effective aggregation agent to fentanyl, offered 20‐fold selectivity than NaCl aggregation system for fentanyl versus codeine (Fig. A), as well as provided lower baseline due to fluorescence quenching effect of I − . It benefited a better differentiation of trace fentanyl from heroin.…”

Recent advances in linear and nonlinear Raman spectroscopy. Part XIII

“…The results demonstrate that SERS coupled with a flexible and absorbent SERS substrate can be used as a practical application for the reliable, rapid, and sensitive detection of pesticide residues . Wang and co‐workers described the on‐site detection of succinylcholine, a depolarizing neuromuscular blocking agent to relax muscles, in a biomedical matrix by SERS for the first time . Yan and co‐workers carried out a study of the thermal stability of ultrathin and high dielectric 1‐nm tetrahedral amorphous carbon films coated with Ag nanostructures for SERS detection .…”

“…[53] Wang and co-workers described the on-site detection of succinylcholine, a depolarizing neuromuscular blocking agent to relax muscles, in a biomedical matrix by SERS for the first time. [54] Yan and co-workers carried out a study of the thermal stability of ultrathin and high dielectric 1-nm tetrahedral amorphous carbon films coated with Ag nanostructures for SERS detection. [55] Zengin et al reported on the SERS detection of polyaromatic hydrocarbons on β-cyclodextrin containing a polymer brush-coated silicon substrate and β-CD-SH modified gold NPs for the detection of polyaromatic hydrocarbons pyrene and anthracene.…”

Detection and classification of volatile fatty acids using surface‐enhanced Raman scattering and density functional theory calculations

“…These two enhancement mechanisms have been involved in the ultrasensitive detection of molecules. Due to the sensitivity and selectivity of this technique, SERS has many applications in the field of analytical chemistry, biomolecules sensing, forensic science, homeland security, and clinical diagnosis …”