Analytical methods : advancing methods and applications
November 9, 2023
Anne Alves Macedo, Luciano C Arantes, Dilton Martins Pimentel et al.
13 citations
A new electrochemical screening method using a multi-wall carbon nanotube screen-printed electrode combined with square wave voltammetry can detect LSD in forensic samples quickly and reliably. The method shows high stability, with less than 5% variation in measurements, a linear detection range from 0.16 to 40.0 μmol L-1, and a low detection limit of 0.05 μmol L-1. Tests with twenty-three other substances, including phenethylamines and other illicit drugs, demonstrate strong selectivity for LSD. This approach provides a sensitive, reproducible, and straightforward tool for preliminary identification of LSD in seized samples.
Talanta
August 15, 2024
Larissa M A Melo, Lucas V de Faria, Luciano C Arantes et al.
8 citations
A fully 3D-printed electrochemical double cell (3D-EDC) allows selective detection of LSD and two phenethylamine classes (NBOHs and NBOMes) in seized blotter papers. The system can use two working electrodes (boron-doped diamond and 3D-printed graphite) or two pH levels (4.0 and 12.0) with a graphite electrode, enabling fast, robust, and sensitive analysis. The method shows good stability (relative standard deviation <9% for current and <5% for potential), a broad linear range (20-100 and 20-70 μmol L⁻¹), and a low limit of detection (1.0 μmol L⁻¹) for LSD quantification. This provides a practical, cost-effective on-site screening tool for forensic analysis.
Talanta
March 1, 2026
Camila D Lima, Lara L Machado, Luciano C Arantes et al.
1 citation
A portable electrochemical method using screen-printed carbon graphite electrodes and differential pulse voltammetry can selectively detect ketamine in forensic samples. Ketamine shows two oxidation peaks and, for the first time, three distinct reduction processes, two of which allow reliable differentiation from other drugs like MDMA, MDA, amphetamine, methamphetamine, and cocaine. The method is highly reproducible, with relative standard deviations below 3.0% for peak currents and below 1.0% for peak potentials. Detection limits are 0.5 μmol L-1 for oxidation and 4.5 μmol L-1 for reduction. It successfully detects ketamine in UNODC-certified reference material and seized street samples, making it suitable for portable screening.