Top 10 Forensic Compounds/Topics of 2016 – Opiate Derivatization

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. 

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.  

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

UCT is widely recognized as the premier manufacturer of specialty chemicals by researchers working in the area of biological analysis and modeling. This is exemplified by a paper published in Biomaterials by X.Guo et al.,  ((2017) 122 179-187).  In their study,  they report the de novo induction of human intrafusal skeletal muscle fibers from satellite cells and their synaptic connection with human stem cell-derived sensory neurons in a defined in vitro system. As an integral part of the study, process microscope coverslips were coated with UCT’s silane trimethoxysilylpropyldiethylenetri-amine (DETA, T2910KG) and were used to produce a film by the reaction of the cleaned surfaces with a 0.1% (v/v) mixture of the organosilane in freshly distilled toluene. This film was employed to study the induction of intrafusal fibers which were characterized by morphology and fiber-type specific transcription factor expression using phase microscopy and immunocytochemistry.

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.