SOFT: ANALYSIS OF DRUG-INFUSED PAPERS BY ASAP-MS

Significance of the topic

Drug misuse in secure institutions leads to violence and aggression. The rise of novel psychoactive substances and the smuggling of drug infused papers create a pressing need for rapid on site screening tools to reduce access to illicit compounds.

Study objectives and overview

This study evaluated the RADIAN ASAP mass detector based on ASAP MS for simple, fast screening of suspect paper samples. Twenty paper specimens were analysed to determine the capability of direct MS detection and semi quantitative analysis of common drugs and NPS.

Methodology

Sample extracts were prepared by cutting 1x1 cm sections from suspected paper, followed by methanol extraction and sonication. Each extract was analysed in triplicate by the RADIAN ASAP workflow employing four cone voltages for in source CID. LiveID software performed spectral matching against a reference library for 70 drug compounds. A subset of samples was also analysed by UPLC QTof MS for method comparison and additional compound detection.

Použitá instrumentace

• RADIAN ASAP ionization source with LiveID data processing software
• Xevo G2 XS QTof mass spectrometer coupled to ACQUITY UPLC I Class system

Results and discussion

• Drug signals were detected in 18 of 20 samples with match scores between 881 and 989.
• MDMB CHMICA and 5F AKB48 were identified and calibration curves (0.25–50 µg/cm2) showed linear response (R2>0.97).
• Semi quantitative analysis estimated concentrations of MDMB CHMICA at 0.05–3.08 mg/cm2 and 5F AKB48 at 1.34–3.04 mg/cm2.
• QTof MS confirmed ASAP results and detected additional minor compounds due to higher sensitivity.
• Sample duplicates showed consistent identification, with minor discrepancies due to non uniform compound distribution.

Benefits and practical applications

• Direct MS screening without chromatography enables analysis in under two minutes per sample.
• The method offers rapid, easy to use detection of NPS on paper surfaces, supporting prison safety protocols.
• Semi quantitative capabilities allow estimation of drug loading, aiding threat assessment.

Future trends and possibilities

• Expansion of spectral libraries to cover emerging NPS will enhance identification scope.
• Integration of mobile or field deployable MS platforms could enable on site forensic screening.
• Automation of sample handling and data analysis may increase throughput and reproducibility.
• Refinement of quantitation strategies may improve accuracy for legal or clinical applications.

Conclusion

• The RADIAN ASAP MS approach provides a fast, reliable screening tool for drug infused papers without chromatographic steps.
• High match scores and semi quantitative results demonstrate its potential to support drug monitoring in secure environments.
• Complementary QTof analysis can confirm results and detect broader compound ranges.

Reference

• Centre for Social Justice 2015 Drugs in Prison London Centre for Social Justice
• Ford LT and Berg JD 2018 Analytical evidence to show letters impregnated with novel psychoactive substances Annals of Clinical Biochemistry 55 673 678
• Norman C et al 2020 Detection and quantitation of synthetic cannabinoid receptor agonists in infused papers Drug Test Anal 1 17
• Wood M 2023 RADIAN ASAP with LiveID Fast Specific and Easy Drug Screening Waters Application Brief 720007125EN
• Wood M 2023 The Utility of MSE for Toxicological Screening Waters Application Brief 720005198EN