Between a Home Test and a Laboratory
At present, drug detection is based mainly on approaches derived from analytical chemistry. The first approach involves the use of simple colourimetric tests, which change colour when they come into contact with the substance being tested. They are quick to use and relatively inexpensive, but unfortunately they can be unreliable and their results are not always unambiguous. The second solution consists of advanced analyses carried out in forensic laboratories. These make it possible to determine the composition of a sample very precisely; however, they require costly equipment, appropriately qualified specialists and time-consuming procedures. For years, there has been a gap between these two approaches. It is precisely this gap that Prof. 艁ukasz P贸艂torak鈥檚 team sought to fill.
The idea was to create tools that would be significantly more accurate than simple tests while at the same time being faster, less expensive and more accessible than laboratory analyses
鈥� says Prof. P贸艂torak.
Every Drug Leaves a Trace
Electrochemistry plays a key role in this research. It is a scientific discipline that investigates the relationships between chemical reactions and current-potential disturbances (for example, the electric current flowing through the analysed electrical circuit). Put simply, when a molecule of a given substance comes into contact with a suitably prepared sensor, a reaction occurs that the device can translate into an electrical signal. This makes it possible to detect the presence of a drug in the tested sample.
The researchers developed a range of miniaturised sensors capable of identifying, among other things, cocaine together with its metabolites, amphetamine, heroin, codeine, and a range of benzodiazepines commonly referred to as 鈥渄ate rape drugs鈥�. The team鈥檚 objective was to combine laboratory research results with the development of compact devices and sensors and, importantly, solutions that would be easy to use. These could find applications not only in laboratories but also support law enforcement activities, roadside checks or public spaces such as airports.
A Drug in a Drink? The Test Should Provide an On-the-Spot Answer
Particularly important from a social perspective is the area of research focused on developing simple tests that enable the detection of substances from the benzodiazepine family, which, together with several other chemical compounds, are commonly referred to as 鈥渄ate rape drugs鈥�. Benzodiazepines are a group of substances used, among other purposes, in the treatment of anxiety disorders and sleep problems. Some of them, however, may be used for criminal purposes. When combined with alcohol, they can cause drowsiness, disorientation and loss of control over one鈥檚 behaviour.
For this reason, the research team worked on solutions that would allow the presence of such substances to be detected directly at the scene. In this case as well, 3D printing and electrochemistry were employed. The goal was to create simple sensor platforms capable of operating rapidly without the need to send a sample to a laboratory. In practice, this would make it possible to check whether a drink contains a dangerous substance before it is consumed or immediately after suspicion arises.
A 3D Printer in the Service of Safety
One of the most innovative directions of the research involves the use of 3D printing technology to create and prototype sensors used to detect psychoactive substances. Within the eQualitySens project, scientists developed new methods for constructing electrochemical sensors capable of detecting the growing number of psychoactive substances appearing on the illegal market.
This is a serious problem because the composition of so-called street drug samples changes frequently. New substances emerge, and manufacturers enrich them with additional chemical compounds that may lead to inaccurate analytical results, particularly when colourimetric tests are used. As a result, law enforcement agencies and laboratories must constantly update their knowledge of substances circulating on the market.
In response to this challenge, Prof. P贸艂torak鈥檚 team has developed a new generation of sensors manufactured using 3D printing. This made it possible to design their shape, structure and properties much more flexibly than with traditional production methods. The researchers also developed a kind of electrochemical map of selected psychoactive substances. Thanks to it, it became possible to determine how individual compounds behave during analysis and how they can be distinguished from one another.
The illegal drug market changes extremely rapidly. That is why methods enabling the identification of new substances and their adulterants must develop just as quickly
鈥� emphasises the researcher.
Two Answers Instead of One
The scientists also worked on devices that would simultaneously use two independent methods of substance detection. Such a device is intended to generate two pieces of information useful from the perspective of the end user: (i) a change in the colour of the material and (ii) an electrochemical signal generated after contact with a drug. Such dual confirmation increases the reliability of the result and reduces the likelihood of misinterpretation. At the same time, the team remains committed to one of its main objectives. The devices were intended to be small, inexpensive to produce and suitable for use outside specialised laboratories.
Why Is This Important?
The problem of drugs does not concern only people affected by addiction. It is also an issue of road safety, criminal responsibility, youth protection, combating illegal trafficking and preventing sexual offences. Increasing attention is also being paid to the presence on illegal markets of new formulations of psychoactive substances whose composition is poorly understood and changes rapidly.
For this reason, the ability to detect dangerous substances quickly may be important for the police, border services, forensic laboratories, parents, organisers of mass events and medical personnel. Research conducted at the 91滴滴 demonstrates that modern chemistry can help not only to advance scientific knowledge but also to create practical tools that improve public safety.
Who Is dr hab. 艁ukasz P贸艂torak, Associate Professor at the 91滴滴?
Dr hab. 艁ukasz P贸艂torak, Associate Professor at the 91滴滴, is a member of staff of the Department of Inorganic and Analytical Chemistry at the Faculty of Chemistry, 91滴滴. He has been affiliated with the 91滴滴 since 2019 and has led the Electrochemistry@Soft Interfaces (E@SI) research team since 2021. His research interests include electrochemistry, electrochemical sensors, the miniaturisation of analytical devices, 3D printing and technologies for detecting psychoactive substances. He is the principal investigator and coordinator of numerous projects funded by the National Science Centre, the Polish National Agency for Academic Exchange and the European Commission.
Photos: Dr Bartosz Ka艂u偶ny, Centre for External Relations and Social Responsibility of the University, 91滴滴
Source: Prof. 艁ukasz P贸艂torak, Faculty of Chemistry, 91滴滴
Edit: Honorata Ogieniewska, Centre for External Relations and Social Responsibility of the University, 91滴滴
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