Emerging Novel Psychoactive Substances (2020–2025): GC-MS Approaches for Separation, Detection, and Characterization
Chemosensors December 9, 2025 Dušan Dimić 6 citations
Since 2020, hundreds of new psychoactive substances (NPSs) such as synthetic cannabinoids, cathinones, opioids, hallucinogens, and dissociatives have appeared on the illicit market, often in complex mixtures. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) remains the primary tool for their detection and identification due to its reproducible spectra, established reference libraries, and robustness toward complex matrices. Recent advances from 2020 to 2025 include improved extraction and derivatization methods, chromatographic optimization for distinguishing isomers, and chemometric analysis for automated classification. The technique works on powders, herbal materials, vaping liquids, infused papers, and biological specimens like blood, urine, and hair. Continuous innovation in GC-MS methodology has kept pace with the rapidly evolving NPS landscape, maintaining its role as a reliable, adaptable, and cost-effective monitoring platform.