Seção Técnica de Física e Química Legal, Divisão de Laboratórios, Instituto de Criminalística, Superintendência de Polícia Técnico-Científica, Polícia Civil de Minas Gerais, Augusto de Lima Ave., 1833, CEP 30110-017, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil. yurimachad@gmail.com.
2 papers in the library · 52 citations · publishing 2015-2023
Blotter papers seized on the streets were tested directly with ATR-FTIR spectroscopy, without any sample preparation. Both sides of each blotter were examined. In 66.7% of cases, the blotters contained one or more types of NBOMEs, confirming the growing presence of these novel substances. Some blotters contained MAL (methallylescaline), a mescaline-like compound, later confirmed by GC-MS or LC-MS. LSD was below the detection limit of the method. The ATR-FTIR results were validated against independent GC-MS or LC-MS results.
A new method uses paper triangles rubbed directly onto seized tablets and blotter paper to detect new psychoactive substances (NPS) via paper spray ionization mass spectrometry (PS-MS). The approach identified LSD, amphetamines, N-benzyl-substituted phenethylamines, synthetic cathinones, and synthetic cannabinoids in real samples. Sample preservation was excellent: less than 5% mass loss occurred even after 27 consecutive analyses, and no significant signal decrease was observed in the mass spectrometry. The method eliminates wet extraction, using only 10 μL of solvent per analysis, making it fast, inexpensive, and waste-minimizing. The intact sample can be retained for further forensic testing.