DETECHIP®: A Sensor for Drugs of Abuse* |
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| Authors: | Raychelle M. Burks M.F.S. Shari E. Pacquette B.S. Mike A. Guericke B.S. Mark V. Wilson Ph.D. David J. Symonsbergen M.S. Kerry A. Lucas Ph.D. Andrea E. Holmes Ph.D. |
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| Affiliation: | 1. Nebraska Wesleyan University, Forensic Science Program 5000 St. Paul Avenue, Lincoln, NE 68504.;2. Forensic Evidence Unit, City of Eugene Police Department, 777 Pearl St, room 107, Eugene, OR 97401.;3. Doane College, Department of Chemistry, 1014 Boswell Avenue, Crete, NE 68333.;4. NOVEL Chemical Solutions, 1155 E. Hwy 33, Crete, NE 68333. |
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| Abstract: | Abstract: The design and preliminary characterization of a novel sensor for drugs of abuse, DETECHIP®, is described in this proof‐of‐concept note. Combining both colorimetric and fluorimetric assays, DETECHIP® is suitable for lab and field use. More than a conventional spot test which provides a single “yes or no” answer, DETECHIP® provides twenty responses for a more complete characterization of suspect material. This is accomplished by visually noting colorimetric and fluorescent changes of carefully selected dyes upon the addition of test analytes, including drugs of abuse, with respect to controls. Color and fluorescence changes are recorded numerically so that a 20 digit identification code can be constructed for comparison of test analytes and known compounds. DETECHIP® is applicable to a variety of drugs, both plant‐derived and synthetic, addressing the need to use several different spot tests simultaneously for a single sample. |
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| Keywords: | forensic science criminalistics drugs spot test colorimetric assay fluorimetric assay |
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