Work

Spectral Barcoding for the Detection of Fentanyl and Fentanyl Analogs Using Raman Spectroscopy

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Fentanyl and fentanyl analogs are the drugs most often implicated in opioid overdose fatalities. Law and drug enforcement agencies are actively working to remove fentanyl-containing drugs from circulation; however, detection in the field can be challenging. Portable Raman spectroscopy is a valuable tool for identifying fentanyl, but the traditional method of identifying compounds requires comparison to a reference library on the system, which can limit the ability to detect novel fentanyl analogs. To overcome this challenge, a spectral barcoding technique was validated using fentanyl and a range of fentanyl analogs in addition to non-fentanyl confusants. Compared to traditional Raman techniques using an internal system library for identification, the spectral barcoding technique was better at identifying fentanyl-containing compounds while ruling out benign samples. Ultimately, this spectral barcoding technique allows for better identification in a constantly changing landscape of fentanyl analogs.

Source: Applied Spectroscopy Practica

DOI: 10.1177/27551857251390911

Authors: Phillip G. Wilcox, Deborah M. Stiffler, Andrew J. Walz, James M. Myslinski, Jason A. Guicheteau

Institutions: U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command Chemical Biological Center, Booz Allen Hamilton (United States)

Language: English

Topic: Spectroscopy Techniques in Biomedical and Chemical Research

Subfield: Biophysics

Field: Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology

Domain: Life Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $1,800