The Use of Electrospun Nanofibers with Gold and Silver Nanostars for the Detection of Fentanyl Using Surface Enhance Raman Spectroscopy, the Modification of Current GC-MS Methods to Increase Separation and Detection of Synthetic Cathinones in Mixtures

Authors

Daniel RubinFollow

Document Type

Thesis

Degree

Master of Science (MS)

Major/Program

Forensic Science

First Advisor's Name

Bruce McCord

First Advisor's Committee Title

Committee Chair

Second Advisor's Name

Jose Almirall

Second Advisor's Committee Title

Committee Member

Third Advisor's Name

Anthony DeCaprio

Third Advisor's Committee Title

Committee Member

Keywords

Raman, SERS, GC-MS, Fentanyl, Cathinone

Date of Defense

6-10-2022

Abstract

Many criminal cases involve the use or sale of illicit substances. The forensic analyst has many different techniques they can use to analyze samples to determine which illicit substance is present. This project aims at developing electrospun nanofibers with nanoparticles to analyze fentanyl by surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy, as well as modifying current GC-MS parameters to enhance separation and analysis of synthetic cathinones. Using the fibers with nanoparticles allowed for the detection of fentanyl standards at 1mg/ml while slowing the oven ramp rate and modifying the hold times led to an increase in separation and better fragmentation patterns for determination. Overall, this thesis presents 2 different projects involving methodologies to improve drug detection and analysis. The results of this work can benefit forensic analysis of seized drugs.

Identifier

FIDC010816

Recommended Citation

Rubin, Daniel, "The Use of Electrospun Nanofibers with Gold and Silver Nanostars for the Detection of Fentanyl Using Surface Enhance Raman Spectroscopy, the Modification of Current GC-MS Methods to Increase Separation and Detection of Synthetic Cathinones in Mixtures" (2022). FIU Electronic Theses and Dissertations. 5123.
https://digitalcommons.fiu.edu/etd/5123