The goal of this project was to develop paper microfluidic test kits for use in the presumptive detection of seized drugs. In the project a set of colorimetric reagents were adapted for use with paper microfluidic devices to improve specificity and the ease of use of the testing. The paper-based tests can provide doctors, law enforcement officers, and toxicologists with a rapid method for screening several different drugs of abuse simultaneously. Three colorimetric reagents, Scott, molybdic acid, and cobalt (II) thiocyanate, were successfully applied to the paper devices. A four-channel device was then prepared to detect common drugs of abuse. Cocaine could be detected based on a blue color with the Scott reagent. Ketamine produced a lavender color with the basified Co(SCN)<sub>2</sub>, and codeine produced a red color with the molybdic acid reagent. Ephedrine produced a red color with the molybdic acid reagent but reacted inconsistently with the other reagents. The Scott and Co(SCN)<sub>2</sub> reagents were also screened against common drugs and substances that could act as interferences. Overall, the results of this work demonstrate the potential of paper microfluidic devices in detecting drugs of abuse in situations where rapid results are needed.

Developing paper microfluidic devices to detect drugs of abuse

249th National Meeting (2015)

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