Detection and Identification of Psychoactive Material Based On SPME-facilitated DART-MS-derived Headspace Chemical Signatures and Chemometrics

Due to the increased crackdown on the use of illegal drugs such as heroin and methamphetamine, users are turning to other psychoactives such as unscheduled synthetically-derived fentanyl derivatives and plant-based legal highs, such as kratom. These products represent occupational hazards for crime scene investigators (CSls) and sniffer dogs because of their high toxicity. Therefore, there is an urgent need for the development of methods to detect the presence of these compounds in open spaces prior to exposure to ensure the safety of CSl's. It is hypothesized that the headspace volatiles of synthetically-derived drugs can be used for compound identification using SPME fibers followed by DART-HRMS analysis and statistical analysis processing. This hypothesis will be explored, proof of principle developed, and a database of headspace signatures will be compiled so that law enforcement practitioners can use it to screen SPME fiber chemical signatures acquired from open spaces. The results of analysis of the fibers will provide information on the safety to environments to which CSl's might be exposed prior to exposure. "Note: This project contains a research and/or development component, as defined in applicable law," and complies with Part 200 Uniform Requirements - 2 CFR 200.210(a)(14). ca/ncf