Non-Contact Detection of Fentanyl and Other Opioids: Towards a Generalized Approach to Detection of Dangerous Drug Classes

"The clandestine production of potent opioids is a significant threat to the public health. The synthesis and distribution of these substances cause harm to its users and puts law enforcement at risk. Presumptive identification that is safe and effective can be achieved through non-contact sampling of vapors associated with hazardous material. A commercially available handheld ion mobility spectrometry (IMS) was enhanced using the novel functionalized Silicon Nanowire (SiNW) array preconcentration for the vaporous detection of fentanyl and designer benzodiazepines (DBs). Proposed efforts will expand the library of detection to include: commonly abused drugs (methamphetamine, MDMA, and cocaine), additional opioids and associated compounds (4-ANPP, nitazene, and xylazine), and destructive white powder decoys (TATP). The expansion of the library will be accomplished using our generalized analytical approach for the detection of low volatility drug classes. The goal of the research is to develop a highly sensitive device/method that can be deployed to detect a wide-range of hazardous compounds found in the field.

The elucidation of the vapor signature associated with the drug class of interest allows for detection without destruction of the dangerous substances. Prior efforts have already identified N-phenylpropanamide, NPP, and aniline as vapor surrogates of fentanyl-related opioids. Additionally, cyclohexanamine has tentatively been identified as the target analyte for DBs. Solid-phase microextraction (SPME) coupled with gas chromatography / mass spectrometry (GC/MS) will be used to identify the volatile organic compounds (VOCs) associated with substances of interest. The identification of target VOCs will be accomplished through confiscated samples from a variety of crime labs. Preconcentration efficiency will be screened to identify the optimal acrylate-based polymer coating for surrogate collection using the quartz crystal microbalance. NRL will work with the Smiths Detection for the development of a deployable method for the detection of dangerous materials using the SiNW array preconcentration.

These proposed efforts will expand previous and currently NIJ-funded research in this area and will leverage recently-funded efforts by the Center for Advanced Research in Forensic Science (CARFS; an NSF IUCUC) and address the OSAC research need, "Limitations of field techniques in laboratory analysis", as well as the NIJ Crime Scene Examination topic, "Field Detection of Drugs and Explosives" by developing a detection system that targets trace vapor detection in a field-setting. The work will improve the ability to detect concealed contraband via vaporous sampling and reduce the risks associated with working with unknown material in a seized drug crime scene."