Eco-Friendly Innovation in Forensic Toxicology: Rotating Paper Disc (RPD) Device for Drug Detection

                


Forensic toxicology is an essential field in criminal investigations and public health, often requiring the detection of drugs in complex biological samples. Traditional methods, while effective, can be time-consuming, expensive, and environmentally harmful due to the use of toxic solvents and extensive sample preparation. Addressing these limitations, a new study introduces a low-cost, eco-friendly Rotating Paper Disc (RPD) device that offers a green, efficient, and reliable method for extracting and analyzing drugs from postmortem samples.

The RPD device is ingeniously designed using octanol-supported cellulose paper, a natural sorbent material known for its compatibility with green chemistry principles. Fabrication of the device involves a straightforward yet robust technique: a magnetic bar is encapsulated between layers of octanol-soaked cellulose paper. This compact design allows for direct immersion into complex biological matrices such as blood and liver tissue—eliminating the need for extensive sample pre-treatment.

In this study, five commonly encountered drugs of abuse—dextromethorphan, tramadol, diazepam, pheniramine, and caffeine—were successfully extracted from postmortem blood and liver tissues using the RPD device. The extracts were then analyzed using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC–MS), a powerful analytical tool for precise and sensitive drug detection.

Key parameters for optimal drug extraction were meticulously optimized. The best results were obtained by rotating the RPD device at 400 rpm for 30 minutes, followed by a 10-minute elution step using a 1:1 methanol-acetonitrile mixture. Variables such as extraction and desorption time and speed, sample pH, and ionic strength were finely tuned to maximize performance.

Method validation followed the stringent standards of the Scientific Working Group for Forensic Toxicology (SWGTOX). The method demonstrated excellent linearity in the concentration range of 0.01–1 µg/mL for blood and 0.01–1 µg/g for liver tissue. Accuracy ranged from 88.7% to 104.6%, and precision values were impressively low, with intra-day and inter-day variations under 7% and 11%, respectively. The limits of quantification (LOQ) were also favorable, ranging from 0.0063 to 0.0079 µg/mL for blood and 0.0083 to 0.0096 µg/g for liver tissue.

What makes this method stand out is its successful application in real forensic postmortem cases, as well as its demonstrated ability to accurately analyze proficiency testing samples provided by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) under the International Quality Assurance Program (IQAP).

Beyond analytical performance, the method's sustainability was evaluated using the RGB12 algorithm, a tool that quantifies the “whiteness” of analytical techniques by assessing analytical efficiency (Red), environmental impact (Green), and practical usability (Blue). The RPD-based method achieved a whiteness score of 95.8%, outperforming several existing techniques.

In summary, this RPD device represents a revolutionary advance in forensic toxicology. It offers a sustainable, cost-effective, and high-performing solution for routine drug analysis, especially in complex matrices like blood and liver tissue. By aligning with green analytical chemistry principles, the RPD method not only meets scientific and legal standards but also contributes to environmental responsibility in forensic science.


FOR MORE UPDATES FOLLOW US ON 🔗 

youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCjwytKx-vie23L7RlNsYhBg

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61572524488850

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chemcon_2025/?hl=en

Twitter: https://x.com/Magicatoms25

pinterest: https://in.pinterest.com/chemicalscientists/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chemicalscientists-elemental-meetup-743568348/

WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vb637cD545uzRP0fTN1e 


Nomination Link 👉 https://chemicalscientists.com/award-nomination-ecategoryawardsrcategoryawardee/?ecategory=Awards&rcategory=Awardee

Website link 👉 chemicalscientists.com

support@chemicalscientists.com 




Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Image
The Science Behind Corrosion and How to Prevent It Introduction Corrosion is a natural process that deteriorates metals and weakens their structural integrity over time. It occurs when metals react with environmental elements such as moisture, oxygen, and chemicals, leading to damage and potential failure. Understanding the science behind corrosion and adopting effective prevention techniques can save billions of dollars in maintenance and repair costs across various industries, including construction, automotive, aerospace, and marine applications. What is Corrosion? Corrosion is an electrochemical reaction that causes metals to degrade. The most common form of corrosion is rust, which occurs when iron reacts with oxygen and moisture to form iron oxide. This process weakens the metal and can lead to structural failure. The Chemistry of Corrosion Corrosion typically involves an oxidation-reduction (redox) reaction. When a metal comes into contact with an electrolyte (such as water or h...
Read more
Image
                                Artificial Intelligence in Chemical Research: Transforming Discovery and Innovation         Artificial Intelligence (AI) is revolutionizing the landscape of chemical research by accelerating discoveries, optimizing processes, and enhancing data analysis. With machine learning algorithms, deep learning models, and automated systems, AI is playing an increasingly crucial role in various fields of chemistry, from drug discovery to materials science and environmental studies. AI in Drug Discovery Traditionally, drug discovery is a lengthy and expensive process, requiring years of laboratory work and clinical trials. AI-powered models significantly reduce the time and cost by analyzing large datasets, predicting molecular interactions, and identifying potential drug candidates more efficiently. Deep learning techniques enable AI to recognize patterns in chemical...
Read more
Image
Fluorescence: Shedding Light on a Brilliant Phenomenon Introduction Fluorescence is one of the most fascinating optical phenomena, captivating scientists and researchers across various fields, from chemistry and biology to material science and nanotechnology. It plays a crucial role in medical diagnostics, environmental sensing, and even forensic investigations. But what exactly is fluorescence, and how does it work? What is Fluorescence? Fluorescence is the emission of light by a substance that has absorbed light or electromagnetic radiation of a shorter wavelength. This process occurs when electrons in a molecule absorb energy and jump to a higher energy state before returning to their ground state, releasing energy in the form of visible light. The key characteristics of fluorescence include: Excitation and Emission : The molecule absorbs high-energy light (usually UV) and emits lower-energy visible light. Immediate Response : Unlike phosphorescence, fluorescence occurs almos...
Read more