Work

Evaluation of Fentanyl Exposure Effects on Butyrylcholinesterase Activity as a Tool for Future On-Site Detection Methods

Year: 2024

Type: article

Abstract: The prominence of fentanyl and fentanyl analogues or Fentanyl Related Substances (FRS) has driven a nationwide crisis of opioid overdoses, which significantly presents an issue for public health and safety. Originally developed for medical purposes, fentanyl and FRS have become critical contributors to opioid overdose deaths due to their distribution, availability, and potency. This study examined toxicodynamic properties between butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) and fentanyl analogues via Ellman's assay. The enzymatic function of BChE was significantly inhibited by each of the 5 fentanyl analogues tested, which indicates the potential for utilization of this interaction. This reaction can be immobilized for a portable, single-use kit to detect FRS directly from any surface on-site. This would immensely benefit society by reducing the frequency of exposure and overdoses by providing additional safety measures to law enforcement and first responders.

Source: ACS Omega

DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.4c06655

Authors: Vrunda Rania, Ashley Newland, Lenka Halámková, Václav Trojan, Radovan Hřib, Jan Halámek

Institutions: Texas Tech University, Masaryk University, International Clinical Research Center, St. Anne's University Hospital Brno, St. Anne's University Hospital Brno

Language: English

Topic: Forensic Toxicology and Drug Analysis

Subfield: Toxicology

Field: Pharmacology, Toxicology and Pharmaceutics

Domain: Life Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $1,935