Rapid Detection of Illicit Drugs and Psychoactive Plant Component by Green Technology DPiMSTM-8060

Significance of the Topic

The rapid and accurate identification of illicit drugs and plant-based controlled substances is critical in forensic and regulatory settings. Traditional chromatographic approaches often demand extensive sample preparation, high solvent consumption, and lengthy analysis times. Developing a streamlined, green analytical workflow addresses the growing need for high-throughput screening while reducing environmental impact and operational costs.

Objectives and Study Overview

This study aimed to establish an ultrafast, direct-injection mass spectrometric method for the qualitative screening of multiple illicit drugs and controlled plant alkaloids, including mitragynine from Mitragyna speciosa. Key goals were to minimize sample preparation, cut organic solvent usage, and achieve a one-minute total analysis time per sample while maintaining high selectivity and sensitivity.

Methodology and Used Instrumentation

The workflow employed Shimadzu’s DPiMS-8060 direct probe ionization kit coupled with the LCMS-8050 triple quadrupole mass spectrometer. Samples were mixed with methanol, vortexed, and filtered through a 0.22 µm PTFE membrane when required. Analysis utilized scheduled multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) with five transitions per target analyte and a 0.1 min monitoring window. Key acquisition parameters included positive ionization, a 10 µL injection volume, 1 msec dwell time, and interface temperatures of 250 °C (DL) and 30 °C (heat block).

Main Results and Discussion

The method was validated across 14 real-world samples: six sachet powders, seven beverages, and one edible oil. Limits of detection ranged from 10 to 45 ppb for compounds such as MDMA, methamphetamine, ketamine, ephedrine, 2C-B, THC and mitragynine. Scheduled MRM enabled up to 555 transitions per second without compromising sensitivity. Comparative analysis with conventional GC/MS demonstrated equivalent identification outcomes, while the DPiMS workflow reduced total analysis time from 30 minutes to 1 minute and drastically cut solvent consumption.

Benefits and Practical Applications

• Rapid on-site screening of powders, beverages, and oils for multiple illicit and controlled substances.
• Minimal sample preparation—simple solvent mixing and filtration.
• Substantial reduction in organic solvent usage, aligning with green chemistry principles.
• High throughput capability suitable for forensic laboratories, customs control, and clinical toxicology.

Future Trends and Opportunities

The integration of ambient ionization techniques with ultra-fast mass spectrometry is poised to expand into portable and field-deployable platforms. Advances in automated MRM scheduling, database-driven compound identification, and miniaturized mass spectrometers will further accelerate screening workflows. Coupling direct injection approaches with high-resolution mass analyzers and machine-learning-based spectral interpretation may enhance quantitative capabilities and broaden the scope of detectable substances.

Conclusion

By leveraging Shimadzu’s DPiMS-8060 direct probe ionization and LCMS-8050, an efficient green analytical method was developed for the qualitative screening of multigroup illicit drugs and plant-based alkaloids. The protocol achieves one-minute analysis per sample, maintains stringent selectivity, and significantly reduces solvent consumption compared to traditional GC/MS workflows, offering a robust solution for modern forensic and regulatory laboratories.

Reference

• Udi Jumhawan et al. Rapid Detection of Illicit Drugs and Psychoactive Plant Component by Green Technology DPiMS-8060. Shimadzu Application Note 04-JMST-200-EN, First Edition Mar. 2021.