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                            Library & Multimedia
 Transitioning surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) into the forensic drug chemistry and toxicology laboratory: Current and future perspectives
NCJ Number
              306588
Journal

*WIREs Forensic Science* Volume: Online Dated: April 2023 Pages: e1483
Author(s)
          Colby E. Ott;
                        Luis E. Arroyo
Date Published

April 2023
Length
              43 pages
Annotation
              This article examines the potential use of surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) in forensic applications, specifically onsite drug chemistry and toxicology testing.
Abstract
              Applications and advances in surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) have grown over the last several years, demonstrating improvements in sensitivity and selectivity. Applications for SERS-related techniques have been explored in many analytical disciplines including forensic applications. Drug chemistry and toxicology may benefit from the growth of SERS since many methods have demonstrated high sensitivity, potential for quantitative analysis, and portable instrumentation for onsite testing. SERS techniques have been developed using many substrates including nanoparticles and colloids; microfluidic devices; paper-based substrates; electrodes; and wearable/flexible devices. These methods take advantage of the SERS phenomenon, providing more potential applications for Raman analysis and overcoming the traditional challenges of the technique. This is desirable for forensic drug chemistry applications which require screening and confirmatory approaches and analysis of mixtures with low weight percent contributions of analytes, as well as forensic toxicology, where matrix interferences, sensitivity requirements, and a growing introduction of novel drug entities pose challenges. Several chemometric approaches have been applied to Raman data to improve identification, classification, and quantification. These advances position SERS for incorporation into forensic chemistry laboratories. While some SERS applications are available commercially, widespread use of SERS in practicing forensic laboratories remains limited. Due to the requirements for use of analytical techniques in the courtroom, future studies for SERS should revolve around the assessment of validation parameters common in other analytical methods. SERS techniques that are rapid, simple, and inexpensive may be more quickly adapted for forensic testing, where use as advanced screening techniques is a clear avenue of research. (Published Abstract Provided)
      
  
          Additional Details
Grant Number(s)
        2019-DU-BX-0030


  
  
        
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        NIJ-Sponsored


  
  
        
  Publication Type
        Research (Applied/Empirical)


  
  
        
  Award
        Fast On-site Screening of Seized Drugs by Electrochemical and Spectroscopic Tools: Identification of Fentanyl and Novel Psychoactive Substances
    
  
  
Date Published: April 1, 2023
    
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