Determination of Arylcyclohexylamines in Biological Specimens: Sensors and Sample Pre-Treatment Approaches.

Arylcyclohexylamines (ACHs) are a major group of new psychoactive substances used recreationally and in drug-facilitated sexual assault, with ketamine consumption remaining notably high. This review covers recent laboratory strategies for identifying and quantifying ACH compounds, including phencyclidine, ketamine, and eticyclidine analogues, using traditional analytical techniques and emerging point-of-care sensor technology. The review highlights the consistent need for higher sensitivity in analyzing real-case samples and simulated matrices, and emphasizes ongoing research to develop more sensitive, faster, and more capable sensors.

Study at a glance

Abstract

Arylcyclohexylamine (ACH) compounds represent a predominant faction within new psychoactive substances. Due to their powerful dissociative effects, they are used in recreational contexts but also in situations of drug-facilitated sexual assault, and therefore, they are a constant target of analysis by forensic experts. In recent years, their consumption has been notably high, especially the use of ketamine, presenting daily challenges for laboratories in the determination of this and other ACH analogues. This review comprises the recent strategies that forensic specialists use to identify and quantify ACH compounds in the laboratory with more traditional analytical techniques and technology, and on the point-of-care testing via sensor technology. The study focuses on analogues of phencyclidine (PCP), ketamine, and eticyclidine, highlighting the consistent need for higher sensitivity in the analysis of various samples collected from real cases and simulations of possible matrices. The review also emphasises the ongoing research to develop more sensitive, quicker, and more capable sensors.