Recent advances in sensing technologies for fentanyl and its analogs: Challenges and future directions
Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: Fentanyl is a highly potent synthetic opioid which, along with its structurally related analogs like carfentanil, is a significant driver of the global epidemic of opioid abuse. These compounds are often added at low mass fraction into other illicit drugs, increasing risks of fatal overdose and posing challenges to detection due to their limited content in the sample, structural diversity, extreme potency at low concentrations, and presence in complex matrices such as biological fluids. The development of accurate, sensitive, and selective detection technologies is therefore crucial for applications in clinical diagnostics, forensics, public health surveillance, and law enforcement. This review discusses advanced sensors and analytical techniques for identifying fentanyl and its analogs, including colorimetric assays, immunoassays, electrochemical sensors, portable Raman spectroscopy, liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS), gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), and Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. Each method is evaluated on the basis of its sensitivity, selectivity, ease of use, compatibility with complex matrices, stability, and ability to distinguish fentanyl from related analogs and other drugs of abuse. By detailing current advances and limitations in detection methodologies, this comprehensive overview of the field of fentanyl detection offers insights to guide the development of more effective and practical technologies tailored for diverse analytical and research settings.
Source: Sensors and Actuators Reports
Institution: University of Notre Dame
Language: English
Subfield: Toxicology
Domain: Life Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $2,430
Funder: University of Notre Dame
OpenAlex ID: W4414475764