Enabling Harm Reduction through New Technology

Abstract

NPS present unique challenges in detection and monitoring. The structures of these drugs change rapidly, are often present in mixtures and are smuggled on complex matrices including paper, fabric, herb material and in vape liquid. For these reasons, instant field-based testing for NPS is not common. We have demonstrated that spectral fingerprinting, the excitation emission matrix of a sample, can be used to discriminate NPS and provide information on concentration. Moreover, we have overcome the challenge in the convolution of spectral signals with complex backgrounds that arise from e.g., paper/fabric-soaked samples. With these technologies combined, we have developed a hand-held, battery-operated device that can be used for the instant presumptive detection of a large range of NPS on a very broad range of physical matrices, as well as identification of NPS directly from tablets. We show the utility of this device in decreasing the flow of synthetic cannabinoids (SCs) into prisons, the identification of SCs in vape liquid and direct from unopened vape pens, and the identification of benzodiazepine tablets. Through this technology, we aim to enable the identification of NPS by users who would otherwise not engage in harm reduction services.