A Review of Advancements in Detecting New Psychoactive Substances

One of the most pressing concerns globally is the widespread usage and distribution of illegal narcotics and drugs. As countries grapple with their current drug policies, a new unique problem has emerged—new psychoactive substances (NPS) and how they should be regulated.

NPS are defined as drugs that are created to mimic established illegal narcotics, such as cannabis, MDMA, LSD, and cocaine (1). Normally, this means that the chemical structures of these drugs are often altered to circumvent the drug policies of the countries manufacturers are trying to produce and sell these drugs in (1).

The use of NPS is linked to numerous health issues, including seizures (2). There is also the risk that users of these substances will develop a dependency (2). The United Nations Office of Drug Control (UNODC) presented data on the amount of NPS that have emerged in each country (2). Of the countries visually represented on the map, the United States, as well as several European Union (EU) countries, have seen the most NPS emerge within their borders.

As a result, scientists are working assiduously to refine methods to detect and identify these elusive compounds. A recent review published in Analytical and Bioanalytical Chemistry, led by Bartlomiej Feigel from the Jan Sehn Institute of Forensic Research and Krakow University of Technology, sheds light on the evolving landscape of analytical techniques aimed at combating the spread of designer drugs (3).

Feigel and his team explored using low-resolution tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) coupled with liquid chromatography (LC) in NPS detection by discussing several recent studies that used this chromatographic technique for this purpose (3). To do this, Feigel and his team curated 36 articles, applying stringent search criteria to compile a comprehensive overview of the field (3).

Given the vast array of matrices and physicochemical properties exhibited by NPS, the reviewed methods showcase a remarkable diversity. Variations are evident in sample preparation techniques, chromatographic columns, mobile phases, gradients, and additives to mobile phases, highlighting the necessity for adaptable and nuanced approaches in this challenging arena (3).

In the study, the researchers explained that the number of methods for the analysis of new psychoactive substances is continually increasing, and there was no indication that this trend will change soon (3).

In their review, the scientists presented research that shows how LC–MS/MS was effectively used to detect NPS. The goal was to underscore the complexity of detecting NPS, present the research that provided valuable information to combat this threat, and inform the scientific community about how the insights presented in these studies could drive future developments in this space (3).

Combatting NPS will continue to be an ongoing problem. The UNODC’s study on NPS showed that the effect groups of NPS include stimulants (35%), synthetic cannabinoid receptor agonists (31%), classic hallucionogens (15%), synthetic opioids (12%), sedatives and hypnotics (4%), and dissociatives (3%) (2). The diversity of NPS will require scientists to continually improve upon existing detection methods.

Feigel and his collaborators raised awareness for the work that has been done combatting NPS, and what it means moving forward. The hope is that the preexisting research done in this space can spearhead new innovative techniques that can improve detection of NPS in the global environment to safeguard public health and safety (3).

This article was written with the help of artificial intelligence and has been edited to ensure accuracy and clarity. You can read more about our policy for using AI here.

References

(1) Alcohol and Drug Foundation, New Psychoactive Substances. Available at: https://adf.org.au/drug-facts/new-psychoactive-substances/ (accessed March 12th, 2024).

(2) United Nations Office of Drug Control, UNODC Early Warning Advisory on New Psychoactive Substances. Available at: https://www.unodc.org/LSS/Page/NPS#:~:text=What%20are%20the%20risks%20of,as%20potential%20development%20of%20dependence. (accessed March 12th, 2024)

(3) Feigel, B.; Adamowicz, P.; Wybraniec, S. Recent Advances in Analysis of New Psychoactive Substances by Means of Liquid Chromatography Coupled with Low-resolution Tandem Mass Spectrometry. Anal. Bioanal. Chem. 2024, 416, 107–124.