Surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy as a novel tool for rapid quantification of heroin and metabolites in saliva

Abstract

Background: Heroin can be detected and quantified by certain analytical methods, however, forensic professionals and criminal laboratories study for cheaper and faster detection tools. Surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) rises as a possible alternative tool with its widening application spectra. There are few studies regarding Raman and SERS spectra of heroin and its metabolites, which are unfortunately controversial. In this study, we compared five different surfaces in order to find out more efficient Raman-active substrate for opiate detection and rapid quantification of heroin and its metabolites in saliva. Materials and methods: Morphine standard material was used to identify proper surface for SERS analysis of opiates. Heroin and its metabolites (morphine, morphine-3-ß-glucuronide and 6-monoacetyl morphine) were calibrated between 50 ppb and 500 ppm and quantified on AuNRs with signal enhancement of silver colloids in saliva. Raman microscope with a 785-nm laser source was used. Results and Conclusion: Obtained results showed that heroin and its metabolites can be detected and quantified in saliva samples using a SERS-based system. Additionally, the present study revealed that synergetic effect of a specific gold nano-surface with ability controlling liquid motion and silver nanoparticles increase band numbers and intensities. Therefore, we suggest a fast, accurate and cost-effective method to detect and quantify heroin in biological fluids.

Accuracy of Raman spectroscopy in the diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease

“…And provides a well direction for the future application of AD disease. This indicates that Raman spectroscopy has a good application in the diagnosis of diseases, which is not only fast and efficient ( 31 ), but also widely used ( 32 ). It is also a non-invasive diagnostic tool ( 33 ).…”

Transitioning surface‐enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) into the forensic drug chemistry and toxicology laboratory: Current and future perspectives

“…Akçan et al also explored heroin and its metabolites but in saliva rather than urine in 2020 with a 785 nm microscope Raman instrument (Akçan et al, 2020). Various SERS substrates were explored to determine the best surface for analysis including silver nanorods, silver nanosurfaces, gold nanoparticle/nanocellulose surfaces, gold nanoparticle/ polyaniline surfaces, TLC silica gel aluminum sheets, and gold nanorod arrays.…”

A surface‐enhanced Raman sensor for trace identification and analysis of high‐priority drugs of abuse with portable and handheld Raman devices

“…[69] 6-MAM has also been reported on gold colloids and gold nanorod arrays. [21,33] Because we used a 10-ppm heroin solution for the pH study, it is not surprising that the 6-MAM degradation product formed in this pH 11 solution over time was not strongly observed in the SERS measurement on the gold sol-gel. However, the weak feature observed at around 627 cm À1 in the SERS of the pH 11 solution (Figure 13) measured after equilibrating for over an hour, although not conclusive, would appear to support its formation corresponding to the disappearance of heroin due to hydrolysis/ deacetylation.…”

“…SERS is versatile in its use and application and offers the ability to detect various drugs of concern at low concentration levels directly from surfaces, [ 9 ] as trace components in tablets or powders, [ 10 ] in wastewater, [ 11 ] and in biofluids, [ 12–26 ] including saliva. [ 27–34 ] Additional studies have reported the SERS detection of a wide range of abused drugs in solution, [ 35 ] such as cocaine, [ 36 ] amphetamines, [ 37,38 ] ring substituted amphetamines, [ 39–41 ] bath salts, [ 42,43 ] opioids [ 21,35,44–48 ] including drug mixtures laced with fentanyl, [ 49–53 ] hallucinogens, [ 27,54,55 ] marijuana active ingredients, [ 35 ] and other prescription and over the counter drugs. [ 35 ] Sensitivity at low detection limits is possible even at sub‐nanogram per milliliter levels, as has been observed for fentanyl in wastewater [ 11 ] and reported in aqueous solution.…”

“…SERS is versatile in its use and application and offers the ability to detect various drugs of concern at low concentration levels directly from surfaces, [9] as trace components in tablets or powders, [10] in wastewater, [11] and in biofluids, [12][13][14][15][16][17][18][19][20][21][22][23][24][25][26] including saliva. [27][28][29][30][31][32][33][34] Additional studies have reported the SERS detection of a wide range of abused drugs in solution, [35] such as cocaine, [36] amphetamines, [37,38] ring substituted amphetamines, [39][40][41] bath salts, [42,43] opioids [21,35,[44][45][46][47][48] including drug mixtures laced with fentanyl, [49][50][51][52][53] hallucinogens,…”