Development of a Library Search‐Based Screening System for 3,4‐Methylenedioxymethamphetamine in Ecstasy Tablets Using a Portable Near‐Infrared Spectrometer |
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| Authors: | Kenji Tsujikawa Ph.D. Tadashi Yamamuro Ph.D. Kenji Kuwayama Ph.D. Tatsuyuki Kanamori Ph.D. Yuko T. Iwata Ph.D. Kazuna Miyamoto M.S. Fumiyo Kasuya Ph.D. Hiroyuki Inoue Ph.D. |
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| Affiliation: | 1. National Research Institute of Police Science, Kashiwa, Chiba, Japan;2. Biochemical Toxicology Laboratory, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kobegakuin University, Kobe, Hyogo, Japan |
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| Abstract: | This is the first report on development of a library search‐based screening system for 3,4‐methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) in ecstasy tablets using a portable near‐infrared (NIR) spectrometer. The spectrum library consisted of spectra originating from standard substances as well as mixtures of MDMA hydrochloride (MDMA‐HCl) and diluents. The raw NIR spectra were mathematically pretreated, and then, a library search was performed using correlation coefficient. To enhance the discrimination ability, the wavelength used for the library search was limited. Mixtures of MDMA‐HCl and diluents were used to decide criteria to judge MDMA‐positive or MDMA‐negative. Confiscated MDMA tablets and medicinal tablets were used for performance check of the criteria. Twenty‐two of 27 MDMA tablets were truly judged as MDMA‐positive. Five false‐negative results may be caused by compounds not included in the library. No false‐positive results were obtained for medicinal tablets. This system will be a useful tool for on‐site screening of MDMA tablets. |
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| Keywords: | forensic science on‐site screening near‐infrared spectrometry ecstasy 3,4‐methylenedioxymethamphetamine library search |
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