Article
Medicine, Legal
Asli Atasoy, Nebile Daglioglu, Ismail Ethem Goren, Alperay Girisbay, Rukiye Aslan, Serap Annette Akgur
Summary: Synthetic cannabinoids pose a significant public health and safety issue as their ever-changing structures complicate drug tests and most cannot be detected by routine screening tests, leading to increased usage. A study found that immunoassay screening tests were insufficient and validated chromatographic methods should be used for clinical and forensic cases to accurately detect synthetic cannabinoids in urine samples.
FORENSIC SCIENCE INTERNATIONAL
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Natalia Galant, Jakub Czarny, Jolanta Powierska-Czarny, Agnieszka Piotrowska-Cyplik
Summary: In this study, a new method using the LC-MS/MS technique was developed to detect and quantify 117 synthetic cannabinoids and 13 natural cannabinoids in dietary supplements and food products within a 13-minute chromatographic run. The method was fully validated and successfully applied in the analysis of hemp oils and capsules in the studied dietary supplements.
Article
Medicine, Legal
Franziska Gaunitz, Hilke Andresen-Streichert
Summary: This case report highlights the concerning effects of smoking spice and cannabis, as shown in a 31-year-old man who suffered from loss of self-control and threatened police after consuming a mixture of spice and tobacco. Blood analysis confirmed the presence of THC, OH-THC, THC-COOH, and 5F-ADB, emphasizing the health risks associated with spice use. The man's sudden adverse reactions underscore the dangers of using synthetic cannabinoids.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF LEGAL MEDICINE
(2022)
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Michael Kraemer, Martin Schaeper, Kristina Duecker, Alexandra Philipsen, Moritz Losacker, Nadine Dreimueller, Jan Engelmann, Burkhard Madea, Cornelius Hess
Summary: Forensic toxicologists struggle to predict the time of last cannabis consumption based on serum cannabinoid concentrations, with minor cannabinoids being more easily detected shortly after use. However, caution should be taken as some samples tested positive for minor cannabinoids even after hours or days since consumption.
DRUG TESTING AND ANALYSIS
(2021)
Article
Food Science & Technology
Jing Wan, Peng He, Yuanshan Chen, Qiujin Zhu
Summary: A practical, efficient, and rapid method for quantifying 19 pyrethroids in tea and orange samples was developed. Out of 262 tea samples, 11 pyrethroids were detected positive with concentrations below maximum residue limits. No pyrethroid was found in 209 peeled orange samples.
LWT-FOOD SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Yilei Fan, Xingsen Zong, Jiwu Liu, Xing Ke, Zhongping Huang, Yu Xu
Summary: The study investigates the MS fragmentation pattern of 27 synthetic cannabinoids by electrospray ionization mass spectrometry, revealing the characteristic fragmentation pathway in the positive mode of electrospray ionization. This fragmentation pattern is applied to quickly screen whether electronic cigarette oil and tobacco from drug cases contain synthetic cannabinoids, providing new evidence for rapid structure identification.
JOURNAL OF PHARMACEUTICAL AND BIOMEDICAL ANALYSIS
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Karol Wroblewski, Malgorzata Szultka-Mlynska, Ryan J. Courtney, Boguslaw Buszewski, Piotr Tutka
Summary: Cytisine is an effective and safe treatment for nicotine addiction. This study developed a simple and reliable method for analyzing cytisine in human serum and saliva, and found that saliva could be a promising non-invasive alternative for measuring cytisine concentration.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Kacey D. Cliburn, Marilyn A. Huestis, Jarrad R. Wagner, Philip M. Kemp
Summary: A liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry method was developed and validated for quantifying cannabinoids in postmortem specimens, showing accuracy and stability in measuring various cannabinoids.
JOURNAL OF CHROMATOGRAPHY A
(2021)
Article
Microbiology
Burak Demirhan, Buket Er Demirhan
Summary: This study investigated the contamination of mycotoxins in spice samples from Ankara, Turkey. The results showed that some samples exceeded the maximum limits for aflatoxins and ochratoxin A.
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Pille-Riin Laanet, Merike Vaher, Piret Saar-Reismaa
Summary: A new method using micellar electrokinetic chromatography with UV-absorbance detection was developed for the detection of synthetic cannabinoids and phytocannabinoids from plant materials. The method showed selectivity and could analyze plants commonly used as carrier matrixes for synthetic cannabinoids without an added sample purification procedure. The validation of the method demonstrated good accuracy and precision.
JOURNAL OF CHROMATOGRAPHY A
(2022)
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
A. Scheunemann, K. Elsner, T. Germerott, C. Hess, J. Roehrich
Summary: The liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry method developed in this study allows for the simultaneous quantification of 18 phytocannabinoids and cannabinoid metabolites in serum, showing promising results with acceptable bias and precision. This method was successfully applied to forensic serum samples, demonstrating its potential for accurate measurement of cannabinoids in blood samples.
JOURNAL OF CHROMATOGRAPHY B-ANALYTICAL TECHNOLOGIES IN THE BIOMEDICAL AND LIFE SCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Honoka Kaneko, Hiroki Matsuoka, Takayuki Ishige, Hironori Kobayashi, Tatsuya Higashi
Summary: This study developed an improved derivatization method combined with LC/ESI-MS/MS for the sensitive and specific quantification of serum/plasma E-2. The new method reduced the reaction time and interference peaks compared to the previous method, making it a sensitive and specific alternative for clinical analysis.
ANALYTICAL AND BIOANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Anne Scheunemann, Katrin Elsner, Tanja Germerott, Sergiu Groppa, Cornelius Hess, Isabelle Miederer, Alicia Poplawski, Joerg Roehrich
Summary: This pilot study investigated serum cannabinoid profiles after the use of cannabis-based medicines to identify potential distinguishing markers. Specific cannabinoid ratios and concentrations were found to distinguish Dronabinol and Sativex(R) use. The study also found that recreational and medical cannabis use could not be easily distinguished, except for specific strains with higher concentrations of certain cannabinoids.
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
William Craig Byrdwell, Hari K. Kotapati, Robert Goldschmidt, Pavel Jakubec, Lucie Novakova
Summary: The study demonstrates the use of split-flow two-dimensional liquid chromatography (SF-2D-LC) and quadruple parallel mass spectrometry (LC3MS4) for analyzing NIST SRM 1849a adult/infant formula, achieving successful three-dimensional chromatographic separation with optimized separation space and mass spectrometry methods.
JOURNAL OF CHROMATOGRAPHY A
(2022)
Article
Agricultural Engineering
Juana Rozalen, M. Mercedes Garcia, Amaya Zalacain, Horacio Lopez-Corcoles, Jorge Hurtado de Mendoza, Katrina Cornish, Manuel Carmona
Summary: Guayule, as a promising renewable source of natural rubber/latex, has resins with various activities potentially related to sesquiterpenes. By exploring different analytical methods, it was found that there may be new members of the guayulins family and the relationship in seasonal changes was identified.
INDUSTRIAL CROPS AND PRODUCTS
(2021)
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Simon D. Brandt, Pierce V. Kavanagh, Folker Westphal, Alexander Stratford, Peter Blanckaert, Geraldine Dowling, Matthias Grill, Hannes M. Schwelm, Volker Auwaerter, Stephen J. Chapman
Summary: LSD analogs like MIPLA are being sold on the street market, making it crucial to develop techniques to differentiate them from LSD. This study presents methods using gas chromatography-solid phase infrared spectroscopy and mass spectrometry to distinguish between MIPLA and LAMPA.
DRUG TESTING AND ANALYSIS
(2022)
Article
Toxicology
Arianna Giorgetti, Michaela J. Sommer, Maurice Wilde, Markus Grosse Perdekamp, Volker Auwaerter
Summary: Designer benzodiazepines (DBZDs) are increasingly appearing on the NPS market and carry a higher risk, especially when used in conjunction with other central nervous system depressants.
FORENSIC TOXICOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Kerstin Henkel, Miriam Klima, Volker Auwaerter, Markus J. Altenburger, Merja A. Neukamm
Summary: Non-mineralized dental biofilm has potential as a novel alternative matrix in forensic toxicology to prove drug use. The study found that the concentrations of methadone and morphine in plaque were related to the route of drug administration.
JOURNAL OF ANALYTICAL TOXICOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Arianna Giorgetti, Rossella Barone, Guido Pelletti, Marco Garagnani, Jennifer Pascali, Belal Haschimi, Volker Auwaerter
Summary: The research aims to develop and validate a targeted liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry method for detection of novel psychoactive substances in whole blood. The method successfully identified 132 synthetic cannabinoids, 22 synthetic opioids, and 28 other synthetic drugs, with validation showing acceptable accuracy, precision, and linearity.
DRUG TESTING AND ANALYSIS
(2022)
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Simon D. Brandt, Pierce Kavanagh, Folker Westphal, Benedikt Pulver, Hannes M. Schwelm, Kyla Whitelock, Alexander Stratford, Volker Auwaerter, Adam L. Halberstadt
Summary: This study characterized a novel lysergamide N,N-diethyl-1-propanoyl-6-(prop-2-en-1-yl)-9,10-didehydroergoline-8 beta-carboxamide (1P-AL-LAD) using various analytical methods. In vitro metabolism studies confirmed that 1P-AL-LAD acted as a prodrug and converted to AL-LAD as the most abundant metabolite. 1P-AL-LAD induced dose-dependent head twitch response (HTR) in mice, similar to other hallucinogenic substances.
DRUG TESTING AND ANALYSIS
(2022)
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Arianna Giorgetti, Pietro Brunetti, Susi Pelotti, Volker Auwarter
Summary: The circulation of new psychoactive substances (NPS) in prisons poses health risks and challenges for the criminal justice system. In a suspected drug-infused letter from a German prison, toxicological analyses detected the presence of a novel synthetic opioid (NSO) AP-237, as well as synthetic cannabinoids (MDMB-4en-PINACA and 5F-ADB). This is the first time an NSO has been detected on drug-infused paper seized in a prison, highlighting the potential threat to the health of incarcerated individuals.
DRUG TESTING AND ANALYSIS
(2022)
Article
Toxicology
Michaela J. Sommer, Sebastian Halter, Verena Angerer, Volker Auwaerter, Florian Eyer, Gesine Liebetrau, Martin Ebbecke, Maren Hermanns-Clausen
Summary: This study provides an overview of synthetic cannabinoid intoxications before and after the implementation of the new German law, NpSG. The results indicate a decrease in synthetic cannabinoid intoxications overall, but the market supply has not been reduced.
CLINICAL TOXICOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Benedikt Pulver, Jan Riedel, Folker Westphal, Steven Luhn, Torsten Schoenberger, Jan Schaeper, Volker Auwaerter, Anton Luf, Michael Puetz
Summary: Synthetic cathinones, such as 3,4-EtPV, have desirable effects and can be used as legal alternatives to banned substances. However, mislabeling and intentional circumvention of regulations can lead to the supply of illicit drugs instead of controlled ones. The study emphasizes the importance of updating databases in forensic laboratories to identify mislabeled substances and highlights the health risks and uncertainties associated with online purchases.
DRUG TESTING AND ANALYSIS
(2023)
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Pierce Kavanagh, Folker Westphal, Benedikt Pulver, Hannes M. Schwelm, Alexander Stratford, Volker Auwaerter, Stephen J. Chapman, Adam L. Halberstadt, Simon D. Brandt
Summary: This study describes the analysis of a novel lysergamides compound, 1cP-AL-LAD, using various chromatographic, mass spectrometric, and spectroscopic methods. The compound was found in both purchased samples and blotters sold online for recreational use. The findings provide valuable information for those interested in the chemistry of lysergamides.
DRUG TESTING AND ANALYSIS
(2023)
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Arianna Giorgetti, Pietro Brunetti, Belal Haschimi, Francesco Paolo Busardo, Susi Pelotti, Volker Auwaerter
Summary: In this study, two ethyl analogs of synthetic cannabinoids (SCs) were analyzed and suitable urinary markers were identified to prove their consumption. Through liquid chromatography-quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (LC-qToF-MS) and in vitro experiments, the main metabolites of these two compounds were successfully identified, and the most suitable urinary biomarkers were determined. The findings of this study are important for the monitoring and detection of synthetic cannabinoids.
DRUG TESTING AND ANALYSIS
(2023)
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Simon D. Brandt, Pierce V. Kavanagh, Folker Westphal, Benedikt Pulver, Hannes M. Schwelm, Alexander Stratford, Volker Auwaerter, Adam L. Halberstadt
Summary: Preclinical investigations have shown that EIPLA exhibits LSD-like properties and can mimic the effects of known psychedelic drugs, making it important for forensic and clinical research.
DRUG TESTING AND ANALYSIS
(2023)
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Hannes Max Schwelm, Mattias Persson, Benedikt Pulver, Max Vincent Huss, Henrik Green, Volker Auwaerter
Summary: 1-(2,3-Dihydro-1H-inden-5-yl)-2-(piperidin-1-yl)pentan-1-one (3,4-Pr-PipVP), a new synthetic cathinone, was discovered in Germany in 2022. It was initially thought to contain a novel bicyclo[4.2.0]octatrienyl function but was later found to contain a scheduled indanyl ring. It is one of the few SCats with a piperidine ring and showed low potency as a blocker of monoamine transporters.
DRUG TESTING AND ANALYSIS
(2023)
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Pietro Brunetti, Diletta Berardinelli, Arianna Giorgetti, Hannes Max Schwelm, Belal Haschimi, Susi Pelotti, Francesco Paolo Busardo, Volker Auwaerter
Summary: Due to legal restrictions on fentanyl analogs, a new generation of acylpiperazine opioids called AP-238 has emerged on the illicit drug market. Recent investigations have focused on studying the metabolism of AP-238 to identify useful markers for drug consumption. Through in vitro and in vivo assays, a total of 32 metabolites of AP-238 have been identified, with hydroxylation being the main metabolic pathway. The detection of these metabolites has proven to be effective in confirming drug intake, especially in cases where small traces of the parent drug are present.
DRUG TESTING AND ANALYSIS
(2023)
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Johannes Kutzler, Aldo Eliano Polettini, Sergej Bleicher, Christoph Sauer, Wolfgang Schultis, Merja A. Neukamm, Volker Auwaerter
Summary: Although the use of synthetic cannabinoids (SCs) is increasing, they are rarely analyzed in abstinence control programs for driver's license regranting. This study analyzed hair samples from various regions in Germany to determine the prevalence of SCs. The analysis detected 181 SCs, with the most prevalent compounds being 5F-MDMB-PICA and MDMB-4en-PINACA. Hair sample analysis proved to be a valuable tool for monitoring SC use, and an up-to-date analytical method is essential to keep pace with newly emerging SC analogs.
DRUG TESTING AND ANALYSIS
(2023)
Article
Physics, Atomic, Molecular & Chemical
Willi Schirmer, Volker Auwaerter, Julia Kaudewitz, Stefan Schuerch, Wolfgang Weinmann
Summary: The study aimed to evaluate an analytical method for the detection of HHC consumption. The results showed the presence of glucuronides of HHC and OH-HHC in urine samples. Other minor metabolites were also detected but could not be structurally identified.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF MASS SPECTROMETRY
(2023)
