Sample Preparation News

In low-level analysis, the purity of your reagents is paramount. As you concentrate yourextracts down to just a few hundred microliters to meet critical detection limits, even theslightest impurities can disrupt your baseline and compromise your results. That’s why UCT developed the Enviro-Clean ® line of solid-phase extraction products.Crafted from the finest purified raw materials…

Biomonitoring measures the amount of a chemical substance and its metabolites in biological samples. It can be used to assess the bioavailability and exposure of humans and other animals to these chemicals. For example, prolonged mercury exposure can result in adverse effects on the central nervous and renal systems. Different species of mercury have different…

Hexabromocyclododecane (HBCD), a brominated flame retardant commonly used in building materials, textiles, and electronics, has significantly improved fire safety. However, recent studies have sounded the alarm about its environmental persistence and, more importantly, its potential health risks, making it a matter of grave concern. HBCD has a cyclic structure with bromines covalently bonded to the…

Most states have their method for extraction and fractionation, or they borrow one from another state. The sample is extracted with methylene chloride, solvent exchanged into n-hexane, and concentrated to a final volume. Fractionation is performed on a small 3 to 5g. silica gel column that has been pre-rinsed with n-hexane. The aliphatic hydrocarbons are…

UCT’s XtrackT^® solid phase extraction sorbent (XRDAH506) was employed in a validated method to isolate several illicit drugs from urban waste water samples in South Australia. The occurrence of five drugs of abuse in raw influent and treated effluent wastewater was investigated over a period of 1 year in Adelaide. Results showed that all the targeted drugs were on average incompletely removed by wastewater treatment, with removal performance highest for morphine (94%) and lowest for MDMA (58%). 

In a recent article published in Lab on a Chip, authors Donghee Lee et al., (DOI: 10.1039/C8LC00320C), used UCT’s specialty chemical (Tridecafluoro-1, 1, 2, 2-Tetrahydrooctyl)-1- Trichlorosilane (T2492-KG) in a mold-making process. This involved the production of a microfluidic cell compression device that improved a microfluidic device proposed previously by equipping it with an array of cell compression units. The device contained a 5×5 array of alginate-chondrocyte constructs. This microfluidic cell was employed to investigate human cartilage cells. T2492-KG played an integral part of this procedure.

In a recent paper authored by Xiaoying Wang published in Talanta ((2018) 187 179-187), UCT’s specialty chemicals Tetraethylorthosilicate (TEOS) and trimethoxysilylpropy-diethylenetriamine (DETA) were employed in the process to produce an electrochemiluminescence (ECL) biosensor for detection of CdkN2A/p16 anti-oncogene based on functional electrospun nanofibers and core-shell luminescent composite nanoparticles.

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) are widely used in the manufacturing of various industrial and consumer products including nonstick food packaging, stain repellents and aqueous film-forming foams. In a recent paper published in Chemosphere ( (2018) 199 168-173) by Adcharee Karnjanapiboonwong et al., UCT’s QuEChERS extraction salts (4,000 mg MgSO4/1,000 mg NaCl) were employed to extract PFAS and other carboxylic acid compounds from earthworms. This was the first study on earthworms in PFAS-spiked soil at background concentrations. It was found that PFASs can be detected in earthworms even in the 0.1 mg kg1 soil treatment after 21-day exposure.

Mitragynine is a novel psychoactive substance (NPS) that has emerged as a designer opioid. Also known as kratom , it possesses both stimulant-like and sedative effects due to dual-binding of α-adrenergic and μ-opioid receptors. This herbal remedy is readily available online and can cause adverse effects including tachycardia, agitation, tremors, hallucination and death. In a recent article published in Journal of Analytical Toxicology by Trista H. Wright, UCT’s flagship sorbent, Clean Screen^® DAU, was employed to extract the drug from whole blood. The author reports that a suspect in a driving under the influence case admitted to using Mitragynine to a drug recognition expert (DRE) officer.

In a recent paper authored by Wanyuan Ao et al., published in Journal of Clinical Microbiology (doi.org/10 .1128/JCM.00982-17), UCT’s polymer amine-functional T-structure polydimethylsiloxane ([TSPS] was used in the manufacturing process to coat crystalline silicon wafers in which curing took place at 150°C for 24 hours. The crystalline silicon chip is integral to the analytical process.

Elena Lendoiro et al., published in Forensic Science International (/doi.org/10.1016/j.forsciint.2018.03.023) on the use of UCT’s Clean Screen® EtG solid phase extraction sorbent to determine the ethyl glucuronide (EtG) content of drivers suspected of alcohol/drugs driving cases under voluntary conditions. A validated analytical method for EtG was established which had a limit of quantification (LOQ) of 5 pg/mg of hair. It was found that 22 hair samples were positive for EtG where concentrations (20.7-1254.1pg/mg) were higher than the Society of Hair Testing (SoHT) cut-off for chronic alcohol consumption (≥30 pg EtG per mg of hair) in 21 cases.

Brazil is one of the largest veterinary markets in the world, and aquaculture, in particular fish farming, is the fastest growing sector of animal food production in the country. In fish farming, antimicrobials, including sulfonamides, are used for the treatment of bacterial diseases. Sulfonamides belong to an important group of synthetic antimicrobial agents that have been used in human and veterinary medicine for over 60 years. Recently, these drugs have been extensively employed in animals intended to produce food for human consumption.

In a recent paper authored by Katia Nunes et al., published in Journal of Analytical Methods in Chemistry (doi.org/10.1155/2018/4506754), a multiresidue method for detecting and quantifying sulfonamides (sulfapyridine, sulfamerazine, sulfathiazole, sulfamethazine, sulfadimethoxine, sulfamethoxazole, and sulfamethoxypyridazine) and trimethoprim in tilapia fillet (Oreochromis niloticus) was developed and validated using UCT’s QuEChERS clean-up products in conjunction with liquid chromatography- mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). 

UCT would like to extend our warmest congratulations to Mariem Al Bouwalda for winning the 2018 UCT sponsored “Best Overall Chemistry Performance” in the specialized field of Nanotechnology. Mariem is a student at the Dublin Institute of Technology’s School of Chemistry & Pharmaceutical Sciences. She was presented with the prestigious award celebrating student research and ingenuity on February 22nd, 2018. 

Once again, on behalf of everyone at UCT, Congratulations Mariem on your outstanding work and we wish you all the luck in your future scientific endeavors!

In produce processing, water used to wash both fresh and fresh-cut produce is commonly treated with sanitizers for the purpose of controlling pathogens and minimizing microbial cross-contamination. Chlorine-based sanitizers are most commonly used for produce processing in the food industry (FAO/WHO, 2008). While chlorine’s efficacy in controlling pathogens is well recognized, one of the main concerns is the reactivity of chlorine with organic and inorganic substances to generate harmful disinfection bi-products (DBPs) and emerging DBPs of concern including haloacetonitriles, halonitromethanes, haloacetamides, and nitrosamines (NISAMs). Monitoring these DBPs is necessary to protect food safety but comprehensive analytical methods have been lacking. 

In a recent paper authored by Wan-Ning Lee et al., published in Food Chemistry (https://doi.org/10.1016/j.foodchem.2018.02.134), UCT’s Enviro-Clean® 521 sorbent (200 mg/ 6 mL) was employed to analyze DBPs and NISAMs in food wash water. 

For many forensic toxicologists, studying the biological pathways of illicit drugs is important if offering interpretation to the submitting agents. One of the most common drugs seen by forensic toxicologists on a routine basis is cocaine. The pharmacokinetic profile of oral cocaine has not been fully characterized and prospective data on oral bioavailability is limited. In a recent paper published in Journal of Analytical Toxicology (doi: 10.1093/jat/bky007) by Marion A.Coe, set al., a within-subject study was performed to characterize the bioavailability and pharmacokinetics of oral cocaine. This study was performed using UCT’s most famous solid phase extraction (SPE) sorbent Clean Screen DAU^®(ZSDAU020) to extract the compound and metabolites.

In a recent paper authored by Kraig E. Strayer et al., published in ACS Omega ((2018) 3 514-23), UCT’s famous flagship sorbent Clean Screen ^® DAU was employed to extract fentanyl analogs from whole blood. The authors describe the development and validation of a solid phase extraction (SPE) process combined with liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry-based method for the multiplex detection of  24 illicitly manufactured fentanyl analogues and metabolites in whole blood at concentrations as low as 0.1−0.5 ng per mL using the UCT sorbent. 

Monolithic materials are versatile adsorbents widely employed in separation science, sample preparation and as supports for flow through applications (e.g. heterogeneous catalysis, ion-exchange, solid-phase extraction, etc). Interest around their preparation and applications has been steadily on the rise. In a recent paper published in Journal of Chromatography A ((2017) 498 46-55) by Patrizia Simonea et al., UCT’s specialty chemical N-trimethoxysilylpropyl)-polyethylenimine was employed in the production of capillary methacrylate-based monoliths. This process was executed by grafting from/to ƴ -ray polymerization on a tentacle-type reactive surface for the liquid chromatographic separations of small molecules and intact proteins.

UCT would like to extend our warmest congratulations to Sara Demspey, Timothy Lau, and Raquel Leblanc – Winners of the 2017 SOFT Excellence in SPE Awards. This award appropriately reflects the recent outstanding contributions they made to the field of Solid Phase Extraction in Forensic Science. 

Amphetamines Type Substances (ATS), which include amphetamine (AMP), methamphetamine (MA), 4-methylamphetamine (4-MA), 3,4-methylenedioxyamphetamine (MDA), 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA), 3,4-methylenedioxy-N-ethylamphetamine (MDEA), cathinone (CAT), and ephedrine (EPH), are widely acknowledged as common identified drugs of abuse.  Alternative, new-age synthetic cathinones such as methcathinone (MC) and mephedrone (MEP) are frequently observed in forensic toxicology cases but were originally marketed as “bath salts”. In a new paper authored by Khaled M Mohamed and Abdulsallam Bakdash published in Analytical Chemistry Insights ((2017) 12 1–16), UCT’s high-puritiy fluoroacyl derivatization reagents were employed in the analysis of ATS extracted from oral fluid (OF) samples using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). 

Environmental analysts are often tasked with the evaluation of illicit and prescription drugs in wastewater samples in an attempt to better understand the epidemiology of a populated area. Due to the challenging consistency of this matrix, clean-up is often vital in order to achieve accurate detection. In a recent paper authored by Richard Bade et al., published in Analytical and Bioanalytical Chemistry (doi.org/10.1007/s0021), UCT’s Xtrackt^®, large-particle, solid-phase extraction (SPE) cartridges (XRDAH506) were utilized for the detection of licit and illicit drugs in wastewater samples in Southern Australia.

In a paper authored by E. L. Jackson-Holmes et al., in Lab on a Chip ((2017), 17, 3634), UCT’s silane, tridecafluoro-1,1,2,2- tetrahydrooctyl-1-trichlorosilane, was employed in an integral role in a vapour form to produce a polydimethylsilane (PDMS) master in a procedure in which a microfluidic platform was developed for culture, longitudinal monitoring, and phenotypic analysis of individual stem cell aggregates. This novel platform uses a hydrodynamic loading principle to capture pre-formed stem cell aggregates in independent traps. 

Separation Science has developed its fourth online eSeminar focusing on advances in forensics and toxicology. Taking place in two sessions, one each on 28 and 30 November 2017, this two-day online educational event will provide forensic scientists, toxicologists and those who work in laboratories within the forensic and toxicology industries with updates and guidance on the latest methods, protocols, processes and applications of chromatography, mass spectrometry and related techniques with key experts providing practical insights into their respective fields.

Our very own Forensic Technical Specialist, Tina Fanning, will be presenting in conjunction with an extensive panel of additional key experts in the field. The e-Seminar will comprise 7 presentations over 2 sessions featuring UCT’s platform topic, “A Modified QuEChERS Approach for the Extraction of Common Prescription and Illicit Drugs from Liver Prior to LC/MS-MS Analysis.” Click below to register for this exciting and informative event: 

http://webinar.sepscience.com/advances-in-forensics-and-toxicology-eseminar-form

Of the challenges facing forensic toxicologists working in the post mortem field, the analysis of decomposed or skeletal remains for the presence and concentrations of drug compounds may be the most difficult. The use of bone as a matrix for toxicological analysis has been investigated extensively since 2000. These studies, involving both human and animal remains, have shown a wide variability in detected drug and metabolite levels across different bone types. Interpretation of toxicological measurements in bone is also complicated by the inability to properly determine analyte recovery from bone tissue. In a recent study published in Drug Testing and Analysis by H. M. Cornthwaite et al., (doi: 10.1002/dta.2327), UCT’s world famous Clean Screen FASt^® solid phase extraction sorbent in 96 well plate format (100 mg bed mass) was employed to extract tramadol (TRAM), dextromethorphan (DXM) and their respective metabolites from skeletal remains. 

Perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs), in particular perfluorooctanoate (PFOA) and perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS), have been widely studied due to their persistence, distribution, toxicity and bio-accumulation in humans and the environment. These compounds can enter the environment through landfills (products containing stain repellents, food packaging), wastewater treatment plants (industry waste) and from the use of firefighting foams (aqueous film-forming foams [AFFFs]). In a recent study by Susan Genualdi et al., (FOOD ADDITIVES & CONTAMINANTS: PART A, 2017 https://doi.org/10.1080/19440049.2017.1361046 ), UCT’s QuEChERS kits (AOAC 2007.1, 6 g MgSO₄ with 1.5 g NaCl) and dispersive SPE (dSPE) sorbent (0.9 g MgSO₄, 0.3 g primary secondary amine [PSA], 0.15 g graphitized carbon black [GCB]) and were used for the extraction of PFAS in cranberries. 

In a recent article published in Lab on Chip by E.L. Jackson-Holmes et al., (DOI: 10.1039/C7LC00763A), tridecafluoro-1,1,2,2-tetrahydrooctyl-1-trichlorosilane from UCT was integral in the production of a mold to perform their intended research. In the procedure, a master mold was fabricated by standard UV photolithography with the negative photoresist to create three layers of respective heights 200 μm, 100 μm, and 200 μm. In making the polydimethylsilane (PDMS) molding, the master was treated with the UCT silane vapor to allow release of the PDMS. These three-dimensional pluripotent stem cell (PSC) cultures have the ability to undergo differentiation, self-organization, and morphogenesis to yield complex, in vitro tissue models that recapitulate key elements of native tissues.  For more information on UCT specialty chemicals visit https://specialties.unitedchem.com/. 

Numerous polymerase-chain-reaction (PCR) and isothermal amplification methods employed currently in molecular diagnostic assays have been developed, significantly improving assay sensitivity and specificity as well as shortening overall time. In spite of this objective, nucleic acid target amplification continues to present challenges for dealing with “false-positive” results due to environmental or reagent contaminants introduced during the testing process. This has been addressed in a recent article authored by Wanyuan Ao et al., published in PLoS ONE 12(2): e0171915 in which UCT silane amine-functional T-structure polydimethylsiloxane (TSPS) was described in the production of crystalline silicon wafers. In this paper, the authors describe a strategy that can distinguish between staphylococcus species truly present in a clinical sample from contaminating staphylococcus species introduced during the testing process.

In recent years, the abuse of newer psychoactive substances (NPS) such as synthetic cathinones or ‘bath salts’ has become a major public health concern. These compounds were initially sold legally and labeled “not for human consumption.” Three popular drugs of this type are methylone, mephedrone, and 3, 4-methylenedioxypyrovalerone (MDPV). Unfortunately, there is currently no information available on the teratogenicity of these compounds, or of the extent to which they cross the placenta. In a recent paper authored by Lauren G. Strange et al., published in the journal Neurotoxicology and Teratology ((2017) 63 9–13) this issue was  addressed by employing UCT’s flagship sorbent Clean Screen® DAU followed by analysis utilizing HILIC LC-MS/MS. The purpose of this study was to examine the pharmacokinetic profile of the ‘bath salts’ in a pregnancy model using an animal model.

In a recent paper authored by Jana H.Johansson et al, published in the journal Emerging Contaminants ((2017) 3 46-53)), UCT’s world famous Clean Up® QAX sorbent was employed in a study involving the analysis of PFOS, especially water-to-air transfer of branched and linear perfluorooctanoic acids (PFOA).UCT is known around the world for the production of the finest sorbents for environmental type extractions and PFOS are now gaining recognition as compounds of environmental interest. In this study, the volatilization of perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) was measured experimentally at a range of pH values using a validated laboratory method published by the authors. 

UCT would like to extend our warmest congratulations to Sara McGrath at FDA Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition for winning the 2017  NACRW Excellence in Sample Prep Award sponsored by UCT. The winning poster presentation was entitled, “Strategies for Extraction and Purification of Tetrodotoxin and Saxitoxin from Fish Filets with LC-MRM/MS Analysis.”

Once again, on behalf of everyone at UCT, Congratulations Sara on your outstanding research!

UCT’s flagship solid phase extraction (SPE) sorbent, Clean Screen^® DAU, has been employed by countless forensic toxicology laboratories for the extraction of various drugs and metabolites from biological samples. In a recent paper published in Journal of Chromatographic Science (doi: 10.1093/chromsci/bmx045) by A.A. Salem et al, this acclaimed sorbent (130 mg in 3 mL format) was effectively utilized to isolate β-blockers and β2-agonists from human plasma and urine.

Since the introduction of Fentanyl as a legitimate medication, UCT has been at the forefront of assisting forensic toxicology facilities with the finest solid-phase extraction (SPE) sorbents and methodologies to extract and concentrate the drugs efficiently. With the recent emergence of newer potent analogs in the illicit community, UCT has expanded upon its existing sample preparation methods to include these novel, structurally similar derivatives. In a new paper authored by E.N.Shoff et al., published in Journal of Analytical Toxicology (doi: 10.1093/jat/bkx041), the determination of fentanyl analogs and other opioids in postmortem cases is thoroughly detailed employing Clean Screen^® DAU solid-phase extraction cartridges as an integral part of this methodology. 

UCT is recognized around the world for its outstanding support of forensic toxicologists/ toxicology facilities and understanding the many challenges that face analysts on a day to day basis. Some of the major obstacles are the extraction and analysis of new synthetic cathinones in blood by GC-MS. In a recent paper published in Analytical Methods ((2017) 9 2732) by K. A. Alsenedi and C.Morrison, samples of whole blood were extracted using UCT’s flagship sorbent Clean Screen® ZSDAU020 and eluted with a methylene chloride-isopropanol-ammonium hydroxide solution. Following evaporation, the residues were modified with six acylation reagents and compared for their derivatization potential. 

UCT is recognized around the world as the first company to commercialize the use of the QuEChERS technique for use in pesticide and herbicide analysis. While supplying a large diversity of commonly available clean-up sorbents, UCT is sole supplier of ChloroFiltr®, a novel polymeric based sorbent designed for the removal of chlorophyll from acetonitrile extracts without compromising on the recovery of planer pesticides.

In a recent paper published in Environmental Science and Technology Letters by E.M.Peterson et al., (DOI: 10.1021/acs.estlett.7b00123), ChloroFiltr^®  is put to use for the analysis of neonicotinoids on wildflowers close in proximity to cattle feed yards. 

UCT is world renowned for its support for analysts and scientists working in the area of environmental food protection for the public utilizing any of our Solid Phase Extraction (SPE) or QuEChERS (“quick, easy, cheap, effective, rugged and safe”) sorbents and pre-packed pouches. In a recent paper by L. Han et al., working with Dr. S. Lehotay at US Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service (USA) in the journal Food Control (2016) 66 27-282),  an easy and reliable high-throughput analysis method was developed and validated for 192 diverse pesticides and 51 environmental contaminants (13 Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB) congeners, 14 Polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), 7 Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDE) congeners, and 17 novel flame retardants) in cattle, swine, and poultry muscle.

UCT Inc., is known around the world as the premier manufacturer of Solid Phase Extraction (SPE) sorbents. It’s support for analysts performing testing in the field of environmental sample testing for public protection has been a core activity for over thirty years. In a recent paper published in Environmental Science Water Research & Technology ((2016), 2, 502) by D.L.McCurry et al., UCT’s Enviro Clean^® activated carbon SPE columns were employed to extract and analyze NMDA from water.

In the agricultural community, there are thousands of pesticides that could be potentially used to protect crops. In a recent paper published in Journal of Food and Agricultural Chemistry (J. Agric. Food Chem. (2017) 65, 473,493) by J.Wang et al., (Canadian Food Inspection Agency, Calgary, Canada), UCT’s Enviro Clean QuEChERS Pouches were used in conjunction with Enviro Clean 15mL dSPE centrifuge tubes for targeted screening of 448 pesticide residues in fruits and vegetables.

UCT is excited to participate in the 9th Annual MSACL Conference & Exhibit. Stop by BOOTH 1 to learn about all our latest product offerings and collaborations, including our HPLC columns, QuEChERS products geared towards the analysis of cannabis and edible products, Abalonase®/ Abalonase®+ Purified Beta Glucuronidase, as well as our full line of sample preparation products, reagents, and accessories.

UCT is known around the world as the first company to commercialize the QuEChERS ((Quick, Easy, Cheap, Effective, Rugged, and Safe) approach and is proud to support facilities involved in food safety testing using this technique. In a new paper published in Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry (DOI: 10.1021/acs.jafc.6b05051) by S. Genualdi et al., (U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Maryland, USA) the simultaneous analysis of 3- monochloropropane-1,2-diol (3-MCPD) and 1,3 dichloropropane-2-ol (1,3-DCP) was executed in asian style sauces. In this report UCT’s extraction mylar pouches (AOAC Blend) which include 6 g MgSO4 with 1.5 g of sodium acetate and dSPE clean-up pouches containing 400 mg of PSA and 400 mg of C18 were employed to perform the QuEChERS extraction prior to analysis of 3-MCPD and 1,3-DCP. This new method utilized direct analysis of the extract without derivatization using gas chromatography-triple quadrupole mass spectrometry (GC-MS/MS). The developed method was applied to 60 genuine soy sauce samples to determine if concentrations have changed since the FDA limit was set in 2008.

UCT is known around the world for its support of clinical pharmacologists and their studies as they look for the finest sorbents to perform the extractions.  In a recent paper by Adam L. Halberstadt  (Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego), UCT’s flagship sorbent Clean Screen^® DAU (ZSDAU020) was employed in the study involving the interactions between monoamine oxidase inhibitors and the hallucinogen 5-methoxy-N,N-dimethyltryptamine (Pharmacology, Biochemistry and Behavior (2016) 143 1–10).Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) are often ingested together with tryptamine hallucinogens, but relatively little is known about the consequences of their combined use.

Of all the analytical methods available to forensic toxicologists, testing for cannabinoids is one most requested extraction approaches via the technical support team.  In a recent paper authored by Nicolas Fernandez et al., from Universidad de Buenos Aires published in Acta Toxicol. Argent. ((2016) 24 (2): 116-127) UCT’s world famous Clean Screen^® THC was employed as the extraction sorbent in an accurate, reproducible, and validated gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) method for the quantitation of 11-nor-9-carboxy- Δ9 -tetrahydrocannabinol (THCCOOH), the major metabolite of Δ⁹ -tetrahydrocannabinol in urine.

UCT QuEChERS cited in Perfluoroalkyl Substances Paper – PFAS’s have recently received increased research attention, particularly concerning aquatic organisms in regions of exposure to Aqueous Film Forming Foams (AFFFs). In a paper recently published in Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry (DOI: 10.1002/etc.3726) by H.A. Lanza et al., (Texas Tech University, Lubbock, Texas, USA) six PFASs, including perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS), were extracted from whole fish composites via UCT QuEChERS extraction kits. 

In 2003, the QuEChERS (Quick, Easy, Cheap, Effective, Rugged and Safe) method was developed as a way to improve conventional sample preparation for multi-residue pesticide analysis in a variety of difficult matrices. While the methodology was initially invented for the food testing industry, it has recently caught the attention of several other types of analytical laboratories including the post-mortem drug testing communities. 

Compared to other classes of drugs, benzodiazepine abuse is relatively uncommon. However, there has been an upward trend of using them along with other drugs, such as alcohol and opioids, in order to achieve an enhanced overall high. 

The number of products marketed as “legal alternatives to cannabis” or “legal highs” have dramatically increased in popularity in recent years. It can be a real challenge for testing labs to keep up with the new, synthetic cannabinoids. Although these compounds are ever-changing, they are derived from “template structures”, which are ideal candidates for clean-up via solid phase extraction (SPE).

It’s no surprise that oral fluid drug testing has gained recent popularity in forensic and clinical laboratories. Not only is it easier to acquire from a sample collection perspective, but also, it’s much less invasive when comparing the measures utilized to solicit urine and blood samples. 

It goes without saying that fentanyl related overdoses and deaths were a major public health issue across the United States in 2016 and will continue to be in the upcoming year.  Forensic toxicologists need fast and accurate extraction methodologies in order to not only identify fentanyl but also additional novel analgesics that may be isolated in casework screening protocols.  

Multiple strategies can be used to derivatize opiates prior to analysis on GC-MS.  A variety of both silylation and acylation reagents can be used to best accomplish this, including either BSTFA (with 1% TMCS) or Propionic Anhydride (PIA).  

The hydrolysis of morphine-3-glucuronide and various other conjugated drug classes such as benzodiazepines and synthetic cannabinoids is routinely fast and efficient. Other compounds prove to be more difficult to covert, such as codeine-6-glucuronide, due to the nature of the chemical bonds at hand and the configuration of the enzyme to the substrate.  

UCT Inc., is known around the world for the manufacturing of the very finest in specialty chemicals including (N-trimethoxysilylpropyl)-polyethylenimine. These compounds are regularly employed by researchers in fields such as the production of methacrylate-based monoliths for highly efficient separations. In a recent paper published in Journal of Chromatography A by P. Simone et al., (Sapienza Università di Roma, Italy (http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.chroma.2016.11.039)) capillary methacrylate-based monoliths were prepared for the high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) separation of both small molecules and large biomolecules. An efficient grafting from/to synthetic approach was adopted introducing a network of activated sites in the inner wall surface using the new silanization agent (N-trimethoxysilylpropyl)-polyethylenimine obtained from UCT.

In the field of bio-mechanical research, scientists working in the field of cellular modeling require the finest of specialty chemicals in order to produce world class studies. UCT Inc., is known around world as a premier manufacturer of Silanes and Siloxanes.

The compound list for forensic and animal toxicologists to identify, confirm and quantify is constantly increasing. In a recent paper published in Analytical Methods ((2016, 8: 1789) Cawley et al., used UCT’s Xtrackt ® SPE column to isolate 2,5-dimethoxy-N- (2-methoxybenzyl)phenethylamine (NBOMe) compounds from samples of equine urine in a  validation study to develop a workflow procedure developed for non-targeted analysis using  a commercial differential analysis software platform. 

One of the issues that face forensic toxicologists is the analysis of chiral drugs especially within the amphetamine type substances (ATS). In a recent paper by I. Shu et al., published in the prestigious Journal of Chromatography B ((2016) 1028:145), methamphetamine was extracted using UCT’s flagship sorbent Clean Screen^® DAU from hair samples. By executing an efficient sample clean-up and concentrating the extract, it allowed for the detection of the analytes in question at the concentrations normally encountered in a hair-based matrix.

In the field of human animatronics, the use of specialty chemicals must be of the highest quality due to the degree of precision for the electronics and the engineering that is employed. UCT Inc., is recognized around the world by scientists working in the field of miniaturization of robotics and rightly turn to UCT as the premier manufacturer of the finest specialty silanes.

UCT is world renowned for its support of biological research through its specialty chemicals, and in a recent study published in PLOS ONE by S.Chen et al., ( http://dx.doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0155681), UCT’s silane  (tridecafluoro-1, 1, 2, 2-tetrahydrooctyl-1 tri-chlorosilane) was employed in the 3D printing process for synthetic replacements for large-diameter blood vessels. 

Among the challenges that now face forensic toxicologists is the extraction, confirmation, and quantification of synthetic cannabinoids and synthetic cathinones, many of which are new to both the enforcement agencies and analysts alike. UCT is at the cutting edge of not only developing methods/applications for these two emerging classes of compounds, but also supporting forensic toxicologists with their analysis through the use of Silica Clean Screen^® THC and DAU sorbents and Styre Screen^® polymeric HLD sorbent  These chemical phases can be supplied in 1, 3, 6  and 10 mL formats with 50 to 200 mg bed masses in addition to well plate formats (48/96). 

The abuse of and addiction to opioids and opiates such as morphine, codeine, and hydrocodone is a serious global problem that affects the health, social, and economic welfare of all societies around the world.  It has been estimated that between 26.4 million and 36 million people abuse opioids worldwide, with an estimated 2.1 million people in the United States suffering from substance use disorders related to prescription opioid pain relievers. UCT has been at the forefront of toxicological analysis of opiates (those compounds originating from the poppy plant), and opioids (compounds structurally related to morphine but produced synthetically e.g hydromorphone, oxycodone, and oxymorphone) using its world renowned Clean Screen^® DAU and XtrackT^® sorbents.

There have been 256 fatal overdoses from illicit drugs in the first four months of this year in Canada, already more than half the 480 that occurred for all of 2015. Fentanyl’s connection to those deaths has been surging at a staggering rate. As a standard basic drug with a pKa of 8.8, fentanyl is a prime candidate for strong cation exchange SPE on such sorbents as UCT’s flagship cartridge Clean Screen® DAU. Fentanyl’s main metabolite, norfentanyl, and its newer analogs such as acetylfentanyl are also favored by this sorbent and corresponding methodology for high quality results.

Of all the analytes that Forensic Toxicologists are asked to test for, THC still remains high on the list. In this recent study published in  the International Journal of Legal Medicine (DOI 10.1007/s00414-016-1368-6) from the Institute of Legal Medicine (Muenster, Germany), a procedure employing UCT’s Flagship THC SPE column (ZSTHC020)  was developed and validated for analysis of cannabinoids.

An article titled, ‘The Disposition of Oxycodone and Metabolite in Human Hair’ was recently published in the Journal of Analytical Toxicology (DOI:10.1093/jat/bkv076). 

This year’s annual meeting of the American Association of Clinical Chemistry (AACC) is being held from July 26-30 in Atlanta, Georgia.  The AACC show is the premier event for researchers and analysts in the clinical chemistry field. 

is year the World Health Organization (WHO) dedicated the World Health Day to highlight the importance of food safety. World Health Day is celebrated annually on April 7 to mark the 1948 founding of the WHO.   The theme was, “Food Safety: From Farm to Plate, Keep it Safe” highlighted the importance of keeping food safe throughout the supply chain.

Researchers at the University of Florida, led by Dr. Bruce Goldberger, recently published an article in the Journal of Analytical Toxicology (DOI: 10.1093/jat/bkv053).  The paper investigates nine postmortem cases in which ethylone, a synthetic cathinone, was identified.

An article titled, ‘Determining Zolpidem Compliance: Urinary Metabolite Detection and Prevalence in Chronic Pain Patients’ was recently published in the Journal of Analytical Toxicology (DOI: 10.1093/jat/bku068).

Researchers at Laurentian University (Ontario, Canada), led by Dr. James Watterson, have recently published an article examining the recovery of dextromethorphan and dextrorpan from skeletal tissue.

Marilyn J Schneider, Steven J Lehotay, and Alan R Lightfield at the US Department of Agriculture recently published a paper in the journal Analytical and Bioanalytical Chemistry.

Researchers at the Republic of Korea National Forensic Service have recently published an article in the journal of the Japanese Association of Forensic Toxicology titled ‘Simultaneous quantification of 37 synthetic cannabinoid metabolites in human urine by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry’ (doi 10.1007/s11419-015-0265-x).

Researchers at the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), led by Marilyn Huestis, PhD, have recently published an article in the journal Drug Testing and Analysis titled ‘Quantification of six cannabinoid metabolites in oral fluids by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry’ (doi 10.1002/dta1753). 

Researchers at the Department of Biomedical Engineering at the University of Memphis and Departments of Ophthalmology and Biomedical Engineering at the University of Tennessee have recently published a paper investigating the use of a feedback controlled, closed-loop system for anesthesia.