Chromatographic Retention Index for the Identification of Illicit Substances

Introduction: New Psychoactive Substances have a high introduction rate into the market and represent a huge challenge from a regulatory and forensic point of view. Thus, the need for a method capable of identifying NPS, without the availability of certified analytical standards, arises. Methods: Th...

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Main Authors: G.H. Giudice, A.H.L. Machado, J.J. Zacca, M.P. Souza, L.N.B. Caldas, E.D. Botelho, J.C.L. Ambrósio
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Elsevier 2024-12-01
Series:Emerging Trends in Drugs, Addictions, and Health
Online Access:http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2667118223000430
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author G.H. Giudice
A.H.L. Machado
J.J. Zacca
M.P. Souza
L.N.B. Caldas
E.D. Botelho
J.C.L. Ambrósio
author_facet G.H. Giudice
A.H.L. Machado
J.J. Zacca
M.P. Souza
L.N.B. Caldas
E.D. Botelho
J.C.L. Ambrósio
author_sort G.H. Giudice
collection DOAJ
description Introduction: New Psychoactive Substances have a high introduction rate into the market and represent a huge challenge from a regulatory and forensic point of view. Thus, the need for a method capable of identifying NPS, without the availability of certified analytical standards, arises. Methods: The methodology of the work relies on the development of a GC/MS method; its validation; and the calculation of the Kovats’ Retention Index. This index was selected because it was reported as a tool for high-precision identification. A total of twenty-two substances were used: AM-2201, MAM-2201, JWH-081, JWH-210, N-ethylpentylone, 5-MAPB, 2-FA, 25C-NBOMe, o-CPP, p-CPP, U-47700, 5-MeO-MiPT, 5-IAI, Salvia divinorium, methiopropamine, THC, heroin, amphetamine, methamphetamine, MDMA, cocaine, and ephedrine. Results: The method presented one Selectivity limitation (coelution of methiopropamine and methamphetamine). Resolution values were higher than 1.25, indicating signal separation. Separation Factor, Number of Theoretical Plates, and Tailing provided satisfactory results. Evaluation of Intermediate Precision indicated Relative Standard Deviations (RSD) that varied from 0.02 to 0.29%, lower than the literature. Robustness evaluation using a Fractional Factorial Design identified that changing the column polarity was the most influential factor, while column brand, gas flow, split rate, injector temperature, and ramp temperature did not interfere significantly. Retention Index was calculated without overlap and the Global Confidence Interval varied from 0,5 to 20,6 Retention Index Unity and the RSD varied from 0,02 to 0,29%, inferior to the range found in the literature. Conclusions: The results of the development and validation indicate the adequacy of the method that uses Kovats’ Retention Index to identify NPS. The collection of Index calculated can be updated and made available to forensic institutes to be used as a tool in NPS identification.
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spelling doaj-art-49e65880daee47248ff2b1fece11003e2025-08-20T02:39:32ZengElsevierEmerging Trends in Drugs, Addictions, and Health2667-11822024-12-01410009210.1016/j.etdah.2023.100092Chromatographic Retention Index for the Identification of Illicit SubstancesG.H. Giudice0A.H.L. Machado1J.J. Zacca2M.P. Souza3L.N.B. Caldas4E.D. Botelho5J.C.L. Ambrósio6Brazilian Health Regulatory Agency – ANVISA, BrasilBrazilian Health Regulatory Agency – ANVISA, BrasilBrazilian Health Regulatory Agency – ANVISA, BrasilBrazilian Health Regulatory Agency – ANVISA, BrasilBrazilian Health Regulatory Agency – ANVISA, BrasilBrazilian Health Regulatory Agency – ANVISA, BrasilBrazilian Health Regulatory Agency – ANVISA, BrasilIntroduction: New Psychoactive Substances have a high introduction rate into the market and represent a huge challenge from a regulatory and forensic point of view. Thus, the need for a method capable of identifying NPS, without the availability of certified analytical standards, arises. Methods: The methodology of the work relies on the development of a GC/MS method; its validation; and the calculation of the Kovats’ Retention Index. This index was selected because it was reported as a tool for high-precision identification. A total of twenty-two substances were used: AM-2201, MAM-2201, JWH-081, JWH-210, N-ethylpentylone, 5-MAPB, 2-FA, 25C-NBOMe, o-CPP, p-CPP, U-47700, 5-MeO-MiPT, 5-IAI, Salvia divinorium, methiopropamine, THC, heroin, amphetamine, methamphetamine, MDMA, cocaine, and ephedrine. Results: The method presented one Selectivity limitation (coelution of methiopropamine and methamphetamine). Resolution values were higher than 1.25, indicating signal separation. Separation Factor, Number of Theoretical Plates, and Tailing provided satisfactory results. Evaluation of Intermediate Precision indicated Relative Standard Deviations (RSD) that varied from 0.02 to 0.29%, lower than the literature. Robustness evaluation using a Fractional Factorial Design identified that changing the column polarity was the most influential factor, while column brand, gas flow, split rate, injector temperature, and ramp temperature did not interfere significantly. Retention Index was calculated without overlap and the Global Confidence Interval varied from 0,5 to 20,6 Retention Index Unity and the RSD varied from 0,02 to 0,29%, inferior to the range found in the literature. Conclusions: The results of the development and validation indicate the adequacy of the method that uses Kovats’ Retention Index to identify NPS. The collection of Index calculated can be updated and made available to forensic institutes to be used as a tool in NPS identification.http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2667118223000430
spellingShingle G.H. Giudice
A.H.L. Machado
J.J. Zacca
M.P. Souza
L.N.B. Caldas
E.D. Botelho
J.C.L. Ambrósio
Chromatographic Retention Index for the Identification of Illicit Substances
Emerging Trends in Drugs, Addictions, and Health
title Chromatographic Retention Index for the Identification of Illicit Substances
title_full Chromatographic Retention Index for the Identification of Illicit Substances
title_fullStr Chromatographic Retention Index for the Identification of Illicit Substances
title_full_unstemmed Chromatographic Retention Index for the Identification of Illicit Substances
title_short Chromatographic Retention Index for the Identification of Illicit Substances
title_sort chromatographic retention index for the identification of illicit substances
url http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2667118223000430
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