Paper Spray-Mass Spectrometry Coupled with Pressure Sensitive Adhesive-Based Collection for the Recovery and Detection of Drugs of Abuse

Abstract

Illicit drug abuse is a widespread issue in the United States and worldwide. Many methods seek to ease the analytical workload required to collect, analyze, and identify these drugs. Paper spray-mass spectrometry (PS-MS) is one response to this analytical workload as it offers a rapid, affordable, and simple means for drug identification by mass spectrometry. This work centers on the use of pressure-sensitive adhesive (PSA) lined paper as a PS-MS substrate for drug recovery and detection. The use of PSA paper as a sampling and analysis substrate has been previously established but is expanded herein with new capabilities and applications. Chapter 2 introduces the combination of color tests followed by PS-MS for presumptive and confirmatory drug identification. Three color tests (cobalt thiocyanate, Simon, or Marquis) were performed on the PSA paper with subsequent drug confirmation occurring by PS-MS. Chapter 3 examines the use of PSA paper and PS-MS for the recovery and detection of fentanyl, fentanyl precursors, and analogs from shipping-related surfaces and in the presence of high amounts of cutting agents. The use of a cartridge that accommodates a full-sized PSA paper ticket was also explored for drug detection. Chapter 4 assesses PS-MS with PSA paper on portable MS instrumentation. Analyte recovery and carryover as well as instrument robustness were evaluated. The color test and PS-MS protocol examined in Chapter 2 was also successfully applied to a portable MS instrument. Application of PS-MS to the portable system highlights the potential fieldability of the technique.