Detection of the synthetic cathinone 4-methyl-pentedrone using lab-made screen-printed electrodes: A simple and environmentally friendly screening method for forensic applications

Author(s)

Lomba, Kaliston A. ; Carvalho, Jefferson H. S. ; Pimentel, Dilton M. ; Costa, Livia M. F. ; Arantes, Luciano C. ; Janegitz, Bruno C. ; dos Santos, Wallans T. P.

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: SENSORS AND ACTUATORS B-CHEMICAL; v. 433, p. 10-pg., 2025-06-15.

Abstract

4-Methylpentedrone, also known as 4-MPD, is a drug belonging to the class of synthetic cathinones (SCs) widely reported for recreational use due to its potent stimulant effects. The preliminary identification of SCs in seized samples is of great interest in the forensic setting. In this context, we present an attractive screen-printed electrode for SC detection in forensic samples, using 4-MPD as a model analyte. In the quest for sensors with more environmentally friendly characteristics, polyethylene terephthalate (PET) from discarded beverage bottles (recyclable) was repurposed as a substrate for conductive ink deposition featuring glass varnish and carbon nanotubes (CNTs-GV/PET). Characterization studies of CNTs-GV/PET showed that the conductive ink is versatile and robust for application in electroanalysis. The electrochemical detection of 4-MPD was optimized in 0.1 mol/L phosphate buffer at pH 8.0 using the square wave voltammetry (SWV), where this drug exhibited one oxidation and two reduction processes on the CNTs-GV/PET. The proposed method provided a wide linear range for 4-MPD determination (1.0-100.0 mu mol/L) with a low limit of detection (0.1 mu mol/L). Under optimized conditions, SWV profiles of adulterants and other twelve illicit drugs, commonly found in seizures containing SCs, demonstrated that the proposed method is highly selective for 4-MPD screening in forensic samples. Therefore, the proposed method offers a simple, selective, and environmentally friendly approach for SC detecting with great potential for application in forensic analysis. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 23/06793-4 - Development of applied multiplex electrochemical systems for detection of biomarkers related to cardiovascular diseases
• Grantee: Bruno Campos Janegitz
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants
• FAPESP's process: 20/11336-3 - New immunosensor platforms for detection of biomarkers of the disease Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis
• Grantee: Jefferson Henrique de Souza Carvalho
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate (Direct)