Analysis of Drug-infused Papers by RADIAN™ ASAP

Importance of the Topic

Drug misuse in UK prisons undermines safety, rehabilitation, and healthcare resources. Novel psychoactive substances (NPS), especially synthetic cannabinoids and opioids, pose detection challenges. Rapid screening methods for drug-infused materials like paper are essential to curb supply and mitigate associated risks.

Study Objectives and Overview

• Assess the RADIAN ASAP mass detector’s capability as a rapid screening tool for papers infused with common drugs and NPS.
• Evaluate simple extraction protocols and in-source collision-induced dissociation (CID) to generate spectral fingerprints.

Methodology

• Sample Preparation: White paper, envelopes, magazines, and other materials were spiked via pipetting (50 µL of CRM at 0.2–1 mg/mL) or soaking in methanolic solutions.
• Extraction: 1×1 cm squares or 6 mm punches were sonicated in methanol for 5 minutes.
• Analysis: Direct ‘dip and detect’ ASAP-MS at four cone voltages (15, 25, 35, 50 V), acquiring full-scan spectra (m/z 50–600).
• Data Processing: LiveID™ 2.0 library matching with weighted scoring; a threshold score ≥ 850 indicated positive identification.

Used Instrumentation

• RADIAN™ ASAP Direct Mass Detector (Waters Corporation).
• LiveID™ 2.0 software for real-time spectral matching.
• Nitrogen gas supply for heated desolvation at 600 °C.

Key Results and Discussion

• All 17 target substances, including synthetic cannabinoids and opioids, were correctly identified with mean match scores of 853–996 at 1 mg/mL.
• NPS such as 5-Fluoro MDMB-PICA achieved high-confidence matches (e.g., score 969).
• Lower concentrations (0.2 mg/mL) and reduced sample sizes (hole punches) still exceeded the positive threshold.
• No significant effect of paper type, thickness, or presence of inks on match scores.
• Sonication times beyond 5 minutes did not improve detection, optimizing overall throughput.
• Isomeric interferences (e.g., isotonitazene vs. protonitazene) may require confirmatory LC-MS/MS for definitive differentiation.

Benefits and Practical Applications

• Rapid (< 2 min per sample) and simple workflow without chromatographic separation.
• Minimal sample preparation and compact benchtop footprint.
• Enhanced specificity through in-source fragmentation and library matching.
• Applicable as a frontline screening tool to deter and reduce drug supply in correctional facilities.

Future Trends and Applications

• Validation on authentic seized papers to confirm real-world applicability.
• Expansion of spectral libraries to cover emerging NPS and novel contaminants.
• Integration with confirmatory LC-MS/MS methods for comprehensive forensic workflows.
• Automation of sample handling to further increase throughput in high-volume screening environments.

Conclusion

RADIAN ASAP combined with LiveID™ 2.0 offers a fast, reliable direct-MS screening method for detecting drugs and NPS on various paper substrates. Its simplicity, high specificity, and minimal resource requirements make it well-suited for forensic screening in prisons and other security-sensitive settings.

References

• Norman C, et al. Drug Testing and Analysis 2020; Detection of Synthetic Cannabinoids in Infused Papers.
• Centre for Social Justice. Drugs in Prison, London, 2015.
• Ford LT, Berg JD. Ann Clin Biochem 2018; Letters Impregnated with Novel Psychoactive Substances.
• Wood M. Waters Application Note 720007125, 2021.
• Mistry NS, Cooper J, Wood M. Waters Application Note 720007748, 2022.