Researchers developed an eco-friendly extraction method using switchable hydrophilicity solvents that can detect 31 synthetic cannabinoids in just 300 µL of blood plasma at very low concentrations.
Read this if you work in forensic toxicology or analytical chemistry and are interested in green methods for synthetic cannabinoid detection.
31 compoundsNumber of synthetic cannabinoids detected using eco-friendly extraction from 300 µL plasma
What the researchers found
The new SHS-HLLME method successfully extracted 31 synthetic cannabinoids from 300 µL of plasma. It achieved limits of detection between 0.01-0.08 ng/mL, quantitation at 0.1 ng/mL, and linear ranges of 0.1-10 ng/mL with coefficients ≥0.99. The method uses dipropylamine (DPA) as a switchable solvent that changes between water-miscible and immiscible states by pH adjustment, replacing traditional toxic organic solvents.
Why it matters
Synthetic cannabinoids are increasingly diverse and potent, requiring sensitive detection methods. This green chemistry approach reduces toxic waste while maintaining analytical performance needed for clinical and forensic toxicology.
The numbers in context
- 31 synthetic cannabinoids detected
- Requires only 300 µL of plasma
- LOD: 0.01-0.08 ng/mL
- LOQ: 0.1 ng/mL
- Linear range: 0.1-10 ng/mL (r² ≥0.99)
- Recovery: 36-56.7%
- Matrix effect: -55.6% to 185.9%
How the study worked
Full optimization of switchable hydrophilicity solvent-based homogenous liquid-liquid microextraction followed by LC-MS/MS analysis. Optimized variables: SHS type, volume, NaOH volume, salting-out effect, and extraction time. Validated for accuracy, precision, matrix effects, and recovery.
Who was studied
Analytical method validation (no human subjects)
What this study cannot tell us
Variable matrix effects (-55.6% to 185.9%) could affect quantitative accuracy. Recovery rates (36-56.7%) are moderate. The method has not been validated against real forensic samples. New synthetic cannabinoids may not be captured by the current panel.
How to read the evidence
Analytical method development and validation study. Demonstrates proof of concept but requires application to real forensic cases.
When this study was published
Published in 2023. Addresses the need for sustainable analytical methods in toxicology.
The bigger picture
Green analytical chemistry is an emerging priority in forensic toxicology. Methods that reduce hazardous waste while maintaining sensitivity are important as the number of synthetic cannabinoids requiring detection continues to grow.
Questions still open
- Can this method be adapted for urine or oral fluid samples?
- How does it compare in cost and throughput to existing methods?
- Can the panel be easily expanded as new synthetic cannabinoids emerge?
Read the original research
A new application of the switchable hydrophilicity solvent-based homogenous liquid-liquid microextraction to analyze synthetic cannabinoids in plasma by LC-MS/MS.
Journal of pharmaceutical and biomedical analysis, 234, 115588
Citation
Fabris, André Luis; Martins, Aline Franco; Costa, Jose Luiz; Yonamine, Mauricio. (2023). A new application of the switchable hydrophilicity solvent-based homogenous liquid-liquid microextraction to analyze synthetic cannabinoids in plasma by LC-MS/MS.. Journal of pharmaceutical and biomedical analysis, 234, 115588. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jpba.2023.115588