Electrochemical Portable Method for on site Screening of Scopolamine in Beverage and Urine Samples |
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Authors: | Thiago daCostaOliveira Mrio H P Santana Craig E Banks Rodrigo Alejandro Abarza Munoz Eduardo Mathias Richter |
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Institution: | Thiago da Costa Oliveira,Mário H. P. Santana,Craig E. Banks,Rodrigo Alejandro Abarza Munoz,Eduardo Mathias Richter |
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Abstract: | Scopolamine (SCP) is a psychoactive drug often added to beverages for recreational or abuse purposes (loss of memory and non‐consensual practices). In this work, a simple and portable method for fast in field screening of SCP in beverage (beer, coke, energy drink, sugarcane spirit, vodka, and whisky) and urine samples is presented. The proposed method is based on batch injection analysis with square wave voltammetric (BIA‐SWV) detection using boron‐doped diamond (BDD) as the working electrode. A voltammetric profile with accurate information on the presence or absence of SCP is obtained using a small sample volume (~50 μL) and a simple sample pretreatment step (dilution in supporting electrolyte). Around two hundred analyses are possible using the proposed system (injection of single sample plug – 120 μL) without the need of electrodes handling or supporting electrolyte exchange (friendly to point‐of‐care or on site screenings). The quantification of SCP in beverages is also possible using the proposed portable protocol, with a limit of detection of 0.18 μmol L?1 and recovery values between 87 to 113 %. |
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Keywords: | Predatory drugs Drug Facilitated Sexual Assault Forensic analysis point-of care Portable system |
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