GB2619772A

GB2619772A - Apparatus and methods for identifying compounds of interest

Info

Publication number: GB2619772A
Application number: GB2208961.9A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Stefano Pasquale King Roberto; Clement Simon; Neil Gould Justin
Original assignee: Foster and Freeman Ltd
Current assignee: Foster and Freeman Ltd
Priority date: 2022-06-17
Filing date: 2022-06-17
Publication date: 2023-12-20
Anticipated expiration: 2042-06-17
Also published as: GB202208961D0; GB2619772B

Abstract

Three ultraviolet light sources 203, 204, 205, each with a discrete wavelength providing an excitation light, a sample holder 202 with a window, and a detector 201. The detector is substantially perpendicular to the sample holder window and each light source independently has an angle of incidence less than 90o to the window. The first discrete wavelength is between 190 nm-250 nm, the second discrete wavelength is between 240 nm-280 nm and the third discrete wavelength is between 250 nm-260 nm. The first UV light source may be a krypton chloride excimer lamp with a wavelength of 222 nm, the second a light emitting diode with a wavelength of 280 nm and the third a mercury discharge lamp with a wavelength of 254 nm. The detector may be a photodiode array detector or a camera with a detection range greater than 190 nm. There may be a bandpass filter 206 between the sample and detector. The compound of interest may be synthetic cannabinoids in a matrix e.g., paper.

Description

Apparatus and Methods for Identifying Compounds of Interest

Field of the invention

The present invention relates to an apparatus, systems and methods for confirming the presence or absence of at least one compound of interest, but not exclusively, to confirm the presence or absence of cannabinoids or synthetic cannabinoids (SynCans).

Background to the invention

There is an increasing issue with cannabinoids, synthetic cannabinoids or other psychoactive compounds being impregnated or incorporated into inert carriers, such as paper, in order that they are more difficult to recognise. Such carriers can more easily be taken into prisons (for example, they can be in the form of a letter posted/mailed to a prison inmate), where the psychoactive compounds, cannabinoids or synthetic cannabinoids can be recovered or consumed. Additionally, the psychoactive substances, cannabinoids and synthetic cannabinoids can inadvertently become impregnated or transferred to the surface of inert carriers such as paper, textiles, work surfaces, gloves etc. Positive identification of cannabinoids, synthetic cannabinoids or other psychoactive compounds using conventional technologies such as high-performance liquid chromatography (H PLC) or gas chromatography (GC), often coupled with Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS), can be time consuming, expensive and can require multi-step or complex sample preparation. Additionally, conventional techniques may require the use of volatile or toxic solvents which carry risks both for the analyst and the environment.

There is therefore a need to provide a rapid, inexpensive screening technique (an indicative test), which can determine if a substrate is likely to be contaminated or impregnated with cannabinoids, synthetic cannabinoids or other psychoactive compounds without extensive sample preparation. This allows more conventional techniques to be prioritised for positive samples, though individual circumstances may still dictate that negative samples require further analysis at the discretion of the analyst. Additionally, by indicatively testing samples prior to conventional testing, the volume of samples submitted for lengthy and expensive analysis methods such as GC-MS can be reduced or prioritised.

At present, due to the aforementioned issues involved in running high throughput GC-MS, prisons often indiscriminately photocopy all incoming mail rather than providing prisoners with the original. This obfuscates the need to test every letter using GC-MS. However, this necessitates the use of large volumes of paper. Additionally, there is still the requirement for any letter suspected to be impregnated with synthetic cannabinoids or other psychoactive compounds to be analysed using GC-MS. If the number of letters is large, there is a significant cost in terms of materials and energy consumption. In moving to a system whereby all letters can be scanned to identify which are potentially impregnated, the volume of samples requiring GC-MS analysis is reduced.

Existing rapid testing methods have a number of problems/limitations.

The most common indicative test used for drug analysis is a chemical-based spot test, which involves a small amount of the sample being added to a test reagent and the reagent monitored for a colour change which is indicative of the presence of a particular drug. However, false positives can occur due to non-drug material, or as a result of the colour change being subjectively determined by the analyst. Further, such analysis requires the consumption of the sample (which is undesirable with paper samples from letters) and may involve the use of hazardous chemicals.

Further, it is recognised that some known presumptive tests may be unsuitable for paper-based substrates. Techniques such as microcrystalline or immunoassay tests require additional extraction steps, and would require the skill of a highly trained analyst working in a laboratory environment.

As synthetic cannabinoids are chemically diverse, developing such an indicative technique would require targeting the test to a small range, and thus requiring several different techniques to cover the entire range of synthetic cannabinoids.

Ultraviolet (UV) fluorescence can be used to obtain information on the composition of samples. However, there can be issues relating to background light, scattered light or fluorescence from other materials in the sample matrix. This may lead to a background signal which interferes with or obscures the fluorescence of interest. This is especially problematic where whiteners or brighteners are used in the sample matrix, for example if the sample matrix is whitened paper. Additionally, as brighteners are distributed evenly within paper, it would be expected that any fluorescence resulting from brighteners in the paper would be seen uniformly across the entire paper. Any deviations in the emitted fluorescence, therefore, can be indicative of the presence of a substance being impregnated within the paper.

The present invention addresses the requirement for fast, high throughput analysis of samples, without the requirement for broadband light sources, complex spectral analysis or intensive sample preparation.

Disclosure of Invention

The present invention seeks to overcome one or more prior art disadvantage. In particular, it provides for excitation of compounds of interest with short-wave UV light, that is UV light with a wavelength less than or equal to 280 nm, and then collection of the fluorescence at wavelengths less than or equal to 365 nm. This serves to minimize interference from daylight and compounds such as optical brighteners in the matrix which are designed to fluoresce at longer wavelength than 360 nm.

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an apparatus suitable for indicating the presence of at least one compound of interest in a sample, the apparatus comprising: a first ultraviolet light source with a first discrete wavelength providing a first excitation light; a second ultraviolet light source with a second discrete wavelength providing a second excitation light; a third ultraviolet light source with a third discrete wavelength providing a third excitation light; a sample holder with a window; a detector configured to receive fluorescence signal wherein the detector is substantially perpendicular to the window of the sample holder; and wherein: the first excitation light, second excitation light and third excitation light independently have an angle of incidence less than 900 with respect to the window of the sample holder; and the first discrete wavelength is between 190 and 250 nm, the second discrete wavelength is between 240 nm and 280 nm and the third discrete wavelength is between 250 nm and 260 nm.

In certain embodiments the first ultraviolet light source, the second ultraviolet light source and the third ultraviolet light source are independently selected from an incoherent excimer light source, a light emitting diode light source or a mercury discharge lamp.

In certain embodiments the first ultraviolet light source is selected from an incoherent excimer light source, a light emitting diode light source or a mercury discharge lamp. In certain embodiments the second ultraviolet light source is selected from an incoherent excimer light source, a light emitting diode light source or a mercury discharge lamp. In certain embodiments the third ultraviolet light source is selected from an incoherent excimer light source, a light emitting diode light source or a mercury discharge lamp.

In certain embodiments the first ultraviolet light source is an incoherent excimer light source.

In other embodiments each of the first ultraviolet light source, the second ultraviolet light source and the third ultraviolet light source emits light at one discrete wavelength. In other embodiments each of the first ultraviolet light source, the second ultraviolet light source and the third ultraviolet light source emits light over a range of wavelengths. In other embodiments the first ultraviolet light source emits light over a range of wavelengths and is coupled with a band pass filter to provide a first discrete wavelength providing a first excitation light. In other embodiments the second ultraviolet light source emits light over a range of wavelengths and is coupled with a band pass filter to provide a second discrete wavelength providing a second excitation light. In other embodiments the third ultraviolet light source emits light over a range of wavelengths and is coupled with a band pass filter to provide a third discrete wavelength providing a third excitation light.

In certain embodiments the first discrete wavelength is between 190 nm and 250 nm. In certain embodiments the first discrete wavelength is between 190 and 230 nm. In certain embodiments the first discrete wavelength is between 198 and 222 nm. In certain embodiments the first discrete wavelength is 222 nm.

In certain embodiments the first ultraviolet light source is an incoherent excimer light source wherein the incoherent excimer light source is a krypton chloride excimer lamp. In other embodiments the first ultraviolet light source may be an incoherent excimer light source wherein the incoherent excimer light source is an argon fluoride excimer lamp. In other embodiments the first ultraviolet light source may be an incoherent excimer light source wherein the incoherent excimer light source is a krypton fluoride excimer lamp.

In certain embodiments the second ultraviolet light source is a light emitting diode.

In certain embodiments the second discrete wavelength is between 240 and 280 nm. In other embodiments the second discrete wavelength is between 250 and 280 nm. In certain embodiments the second discrete wavelength is 280 nm.

In certain embodiments the third ultraviolet light source is a mercury discharge lamp.

In certain embodiments the third discrete wavelength is between 250 nm and 260 nm. In certain embodiments the third discrete wavelength is 254 nm.

In certain embodiments the first ultraviolet light source is an excimer source, the second ultraviolet light source is a light emitting diode and the third ultraviolet light source is a mercury discharge lamp.

In certain embodiments the first discrete wavelength is 222 nm, the second discrete wavelength is 280 nm and the third discrete wavelength is 254 nm.

In certain embodiments the second discrete wavelength is different to the third discrete wavelength In certain embodiments the sample holder is a stage. In certain embodiments the sample holder is configured to receive paper samples. In certain embodiments the sample holder is configured to receive paper samples from an automated feed. In certain embodiments the sample holder is configured to manually receive paper samples In certain embodiments the sample holder is positioned on an x,y,z stage.

In certain embodiments the window of the sample holder is one or more of glass or quartz. In certain embodiments the window of the sample holder is an aperture. In certain embodiments the sample holder comprises stainless steel, painted aluminium, glass or quartz. In other embodiments the sample holder comprises stainless steel. In other embodiments the sample holder comprises painted aluminium. In other embodiments the sample holder comprises glass. In other embodiments the sample holder comprises quartz.

In certain embodiments, the detector is configured to detect fluorescence signal.

In certain embodiments the detector is selected from a photodiode array detector, a camera, a single photodiode, a complementary metal oxide semiconductor or a charge coupled array detector. In other embodiments the detector is a camera. In other embodiments the detector is a single photodiode. In other embodiments the detector is a photodiode array detector. In other embodiments the detector is suitable for detection of ultraviolet light.

In certain embodiments the detector has a detection range suitable for detection of ultraviolet light. In certain embodiments the detector has a detection range of greater than 190 nm. In other embodiments the detector has a detection range of between 190 nm and 1000 nm. In other embodiments the detector has a detection range of between 190 nm and 400 nm. In other embodiments the detector has a detection range of between 200 nm and 400 nm. In other embodiments the detector has a detection range of between 300 nm and 400 nm.

In certain embodiments the detector is a camera sensitive to ultraviolet light. In other embodiments the detector is a camera suitable for collecting fluorescence. In other embodiments the detector is a camera with a detection range of greater than 190 nm. In other embodiments the detector has a detection range of between 190 nm and 1000 nm. In other embodiments the detector has a detection range of between 190 nm and 400 nm. In other embodiments the detector has a detection range of between 200 nm and 400 nm. In other embodiments the detector has a detection range of between 300 nm and 400 nm. In other embodiments the detector has a detection range of between 190 nm and 365 nm. In other embodiments the detector has a detection range of between 200 nm and 365 nm. In other embodiments the detector has a detection range of between 300 and 365 nm.

In this specification, the terms "collecting" and "detecting" and their derivatives are used interchangeably unless the context dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, in certain embodiments the detector is a camera suitable for detecting fluorescence.

In certain embodiments the detector is a camera with a detection range of between 190 nm and 1000 nm. In other embodiments the detector is a camera with a detection range of between 190 nm and 400 nm. In other embodiments the detector is a camera with a detection range of between 200 nm and 400 nm. In other embodiments the detector is a camera with a detection range of between 300 nm and 400 nm. In other embodiments the detector is a camera with a detection range of between 190 nm and 365 nm. In other embodiments the detector is a camera with a detection range of between 200 nm and 365 nm. In other embodiments the detector is a camera with a detection range of between 300 and 365 nm.

In certain embodiments the apparatus further comprises a bandpass filter. In certain embodiments the bandpass filter is between the sample and detector. In other embodiments the bandpass filter is in front of the detector. In other embodiments the bandpass filter is integrated in the detector. In other embodiments the bandpass filter between the sample and the lens of a camera. In other embodiments the bandpass filter is attached to the lens of a camera. In other embodiments the bandpass filter is integrated into the camera. In other embodiments the apparatus comprises more than one bandpass filter.

In certain embodiments bandpass filter has a centre wavelength of any one of 240 nm, 254 nm, 330 nm, 340 nm, 350nm, 365 nm. In certain embodiments the bandpass filter is used exclusively in combination with one of the first discrete wavelength, second discrete wavelength or third discrete wavelength. In other embodiments the same bandpass filter is used in combination with the first discrete wavelength, the second discrete wavelength and the third discrete wavelength.

In certain embodiments where the first discrete wavelength is between 190 nm and 250 nm the bandpass filter has a centre wavelength of 240 nm. In other embodiments where the first discrete wavelength is between 190 nm and 250 nm the bandpass filter has a centre wavelength of 254 nm. In other embodiments where the first discrete wavelength is between 190 nm and 250 nm the bandpass filter has a centre wavelength of 330 nm. In other embodiments where the first discrete wavelength is between 190 nm and 250 nm the bandpass filter has a centre wavelength of 350 nm. In other embodiments where the first discrete wavelength is between 190 nm and 250 nm the bandpass filter has a centre wavelength of 340 nm. In other embodiments where the first discrete wavelength is between 190 nm and 250 nm the bandpass filter has a centre wavelength of 365 nm.

In certain embodiments where the first discrete wavelength is 222 nm the bandpass filter has a centre wavelength of 240 nm. In other embodiments where the first discrete wavelength is 222 nm the bandpass filter has a centre wavelength of 254 nm. In other embodiments where the first discrete wavelength 222 nm the bandpass filter has a centre wavelength of 330 nm. In other embodiments where the first discrete wavelength is 222 nm the bandpass filter has a centre wavelength of 350 nm. In other embodiments where the first discrete wavelength is 222 nm the bandpass filter has a centre wavelength of 365 nm.

In other embodiments where the second discrete wavelength is between 240 nm and 280 nm the bandpass filter has a centre wavelength of 330 nm. In other embodiments where the second discrete wavelength is between 240 nm and 280 nm the bandpass filter has a centre wavelength of 350 nm. In other embodiments where the second discrete wavelength is between 240 nm and 280 nm the bandpass filter has a centre wavelength of 365 nm.

In certain embodiments where the second discrete wavelength 280 nm the bandpass filter has a centre wavelength of 330 nm. In other embodiments where the second discrete wavelength is 280 nm the bandpass filter has a centre wavelength of 350 nm. In other embodiments where the second discrete wavelength is 280 nm the bandpass filter has a centre wavelength of 365 nm.

In certain embodiments where the third discrete wavelength 254 nm the bandpass filter has a centre wavelength of 330 nm. In other embodiments where the third discrete wavelength is 254 nm the bandpass filter has a centre wavelength of 350 nm. In other embodiments where the third discrete wavelength is 254 nm the bandpass filter has a centre wavelength of 365 nm.

In certain embodiments the first excitation light, second excitation light and third excitation light is selected from the group consisting of a beam, a sheet, a spotlight or a floodlight. In certain embodiments the first excitation light is selected from the group consisting of a beam, a sheet, a spotlight or a floodlight. In certain embodiments the second excitation light is selected from the group consisting of a beam, a sheet, a spotlight or a floodlight. In certain embodiments the second excitation light is selected from the group consisting of a beam, a sheet, a spotlight or a floodlight.

In certain embodiments the apparatus further comprises a computing means for comparing the detected fluorescence to a predefined fluorescence profile for the at least one compound of interest in order to confirm the indicative presence or absence of the at least one compound of interest. In certain embodiments the computing means correlates the detected fluorescence to a predefined fluorescence profile for the at least one compound of interest in order to confirm the indicative presence or absence of the at least one compound of interest.

In certain embodiments the detector provides an image. In certain embodiments a user positively identifies fluorescence in the image. In other embodiments the computing means positively identifies fluorescence in the image.

In certain embodiments the computing means collates the signals provided by the detector. In other embodiments if fluorescence is present the computing means provides a positive signal to the output device. In other embodiments if fluorescence is not present the computing means provides a negative signal to the output device. In other embodiments the computing means combine the positive signal or negative signal for the first excitation light with the positive signal or negative signal for the second excitation light and/or the positive signal or negative signal for the third excitation light. In other embodiments the computing means combine the positive signal or negative signal for the second excitation light with the positive signal or negative signal for the third excitation light. In other embodiments the combination of the positive signal and the negative signal are by known means.

In certain embodiments the detector and/or computing means improve the signal to noise of the signal by methods known in the art. In other embodiments the computing means improve the signal to noise of the signal by integrating several signals. In other embodiments the detector improves the signal to noise of the signal by altering the exposure time.

In certain embodiments the output device is one or more of a screen, a computer, a light emitting device or a sound device. In certain embodiments the output device provides a fluorescent spectrum. In certain embodiments the output device provides a positive or negative response dependent on the information received from the computing means.

In certain embodiments the apparatus is part of a system. In other embodiments the system further comprises an enclosure. In other embodiments the system comprises an enclosure which holds the apparatus. In other embodiments the enclosure holds one or more components of the apparatus. In other embodiments the one or more components are selected from the first ultraviolet light source, the second ultraviolet light source, the third ultraviolet light source, the sample holder, the power supply, the detector and the output device.

In certain embodiments the sample holder is configured to receive a solid sample.

In certain embodiments the apparatus further comprises a power supply.

In certain embodiments the system comprises an enclosure holding the first ultraviolet light source, the second ultraviolet light source, the third ultraviolet light source, the sample holder, and the detector. In other embodiments the output device is positioned on the outer surface of the enclosure In certain embodiments the system further comprises an interlocking circuit. In other embodiments the interlocking circuit prevents the enclosure being opened when the power supply is switched on. In other embodiments the interlocking circuit prevents the sample holder being opened when the power supply is switched on.

Also provided according to the present invention is a method of indicating the presence or absence of at least one compound of interest in a sample using the apparatus of the present invention, the method comprising at least one or more of steps a), b) and c): a) exciting the sample in the sample holder using the first excitation light and collecting fluorescence emitted by the sample using the detector; b) exciting the sample in the sample holder using the second excitation light and collecting fluorescence emitted by the sample using the detector; c) exciting the sample in the sample holder using the third excitation light and collecting fluorescence emitted by the sample using the detector; and additionally comprising the steps: d) comparing the detected fluorescence to a predefined fluorescence profile for the at least one compound of interest; and e) correlating the results of the comparison step (d) to determine the indicative presence or absence of the at least one compound of interest.

In certain embodiments method comprises sequentially steps a), b), c), d) and e). In other embodiments method comprises sequentially steps a), c), b), d) and e). In other embodiments method comprises sequentially steps b), a), c), d) and e). In other embodiments method comprises sequentially steps b), c), a), d) and e). In other embodiments method comprises sequentially steps c), a), b), d) and e). In other embodiments method comprises sequentially steps c), b), a), d) and e).

In certain embodiments method comprises sequentially steps a), b), d) and e). In other embodiments method comprises sequentially steps a), c), d) and e). In other embodiments method comprises sequentially steps b), a), d) and e). In other embodiments method comprises sequentially steps b), c), d) and e). In other embodiments method comprises sequentially steps c), a), d) and e). In other embodiments method comprises sequentially steps c), b), d) and e).

In other embodiments the sample is first excited using the first excitation light, the sample is then excited using the third excitation light and the sample is finally excited using the second excitation light. In other embodiments the sample is first excited using the second excitation light, the sample is then excited using the first excitation light and the sample is finally excited using the third excitation light. In other embodiments the sample is first excited using the second excitation light, the sample is then excited using the third excitation light and the sample is finally excited using the first excitation light. In other embodiments the sample is first excited using the third excitation light, the sample is then excited using the first excitation light and the sample is finally excited using the second excitation light. In other embodiments the sample is first excited using the third excitation light, the sample is then excited using the second excitation light and the sample is finally excited using the third excitation light.

In certain embodiments the sample is excited with the first excitation light. In other embodiments the sample is first excited with the first excitation light and subsequently excited using the second excitation light. In other embodiments the sample is first excited with the first excitation light and subsequently excited using the third excitation light. In other embodiments the sample is first excited with the second excitation light and subsequently excited using the first excitation light. In other embodiments the sample is first excited with the second excitation light and subsequently excited using the third excitation light. In other embodiments the sample is first excited with the third excitation light and subsequently excited using the first excitation light. In other embodiments the sample is first excited with the third excitation light and subsequently excited using the second excitation light.

In certain embodiments the detector has a detection range suitable for detection of ultraviolet light. In other embodiments the detector has a detection range of greater than 190 nm. In other embodiments the detector has a detection range of between 190 nm and 1000 nm. In other embodiments the detector has a detection range of between 190 nm and 400 nm. In other embodiments the detector has a detection range of between 200 nm and 400 nm. In other embodiments the detector has a detection range of between 300 nm and 400 nm.

In certain embodiments the method further comprises the use of a bandpass filter. In certain embodiments the bandpass filter is between the sample and detector. In other embodiments the bandpass filter is in front of the detector. In other embodiments the apparatus is integrated in the detector. In other embodiments the bandpass filter between the sample and the lens of a camera. In other embodiments the bandpass filter is attached to the lens of a camera. In other embodiments the bandpass filter is integrated into the camera In other embodiments the apparatus comprises more than one bandpass filter.

In certain embodiments where the first discrete wavelength is between 190 nm and 250 nm the bandpass filter has a centre wavelength of 240 nm. In other embodiments where the first discrete wavelength is between 190 nm and 250 nm the bandpass filter has a centre wavelength of 254 nm. In other embodiments where the first discrete wavelength is between 190 nm and 250 nm the bandpass filter has a centre wavelength of 330 nm. In other embodiments where the first discrete wavelength is between 190 nm and 250 nm the bandpass filter has a centre wavelength of 350 nm. In other embodiments where the first discrete wavelength is between 190 nm and 250 nm the bandpass filter has a centre wavelength of 365 nm.

In certain embodiments where the second discrete wavelength is between 240 nm and 280 nm the bandpass filter has a centre wavelength of 254 nm. In other embodiments where the second discrete wavelength is between 240 nm and 280 nm the bandpass filter has a centre wavelength of 330 nm. In other embodiments where the second discrete wavelength is between 240 nm and 280 nm the bandpass filter has a centre wavelength of 350 nm. In other embodiments where the second discrete wavelength is between 240 nm and 280 nm the bandpass filter has a centre wavelength of 365 nm.

In certain embodiments where the third discrete wavelength 254 nm the bandpass filter has a centre wavelength of 330 nm. In other embodiments where the third discrete wavelength is 254 nm the bandpass filter has a centre wavelength of 350 nm. In other embodiments where the third discrete wavelength is 254 nm the bandpass filter has a centre wavelength of 365 nm In certain embodiments the predefined fluorescent profile is the presence of fluorescence at one or more detection wavelengths. In other embodiments the predefined fluorescent profile is the presence of fluorescence one detection wavelength. In other embodiments the predefined fluorescent profile is the presence of fluorescence at one or more detection wavelengths. In other embodiments the predefined fluorescent profile is the presence of fluorescence over a range of detection wavelengths.

In other embodiments the comparison of the detected fluorescence to a predefined fluorescent profile for the at least one compound of interest can be achieved by comparing the fluorescent sample over a wavelength range. In other embodiments the comparison of the detected fluorescence to a predefined fluorescent profile for the at least one compound of interest is by comparing fluorescent peaks in the profile. In other embodiments the comparison of the detected fluorescence to a predefined fluorescent profile for the at least one compound of interest is by comparing the fluorescent peaks in the sample relating to spectroscopic features of interest. In other embodiments features of interest are fluorescent peaks relating to specific molecular groups. In other embodiments features of interest are fluorescent peaks relating to specific compounds.

In certain embodiments the at least one compound of interest comprises one or more of cannabinoids, synthetic cannabinoids or psychoactive compounds. In other embodiments the at least one compound of interest comprises cannabinoids. In other embodiments the at least one compound of interest comprises synthetic cannabinoid receptor agonists. In other embodiments the at least one compound of interest comprises any one of cannabinoids, synthetic cannabinoids, or synthetic cannabinoid receptor agonists.

In certain embodiments the structure of the synthetic cannabinoid comprises one or more (e.g. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 or more) of a substituted heteroaryl, an unsubstituted heteroaryl, a substituted aryl or an unsubstituted aryl.

"Aryl" refers to an aromatic carbocyclic group. The aryl group may have a single ring or multiple condensed rings. Unless otherwise specified, the aryl group may be attached at any suitable carbon atom. If substituted, may be substituted at any suitable atom. In certain embodiments the aryl group can have from 6 to 24 carbon atoms, in certain embodiments the aryl group can have from 6 to 18 carbon atoms, in certain embodiments the aryl group can have from 6 to 12 carbon atoms, in certain embodiments the aryl group can have from 10 to 12 carbon atoms. Examples or aryl groups include but are not limited to, phenyl, naphthyl, anthracenyl and the like "Heteroaryl" refers to an aromatic carbocyclic group wherein one or more carbon atoms are independently replaced with one or more heteroatoms e.g. nitrogen or oxygen. Unless otherwise specified, the heteroaryl group may be attached at any suitable atom. If substituted, may be substituted at any suitable atom. In certain embodiments the aryl group can have from 3 to 24 carbon atoms, in certain embodiments the aryl group can have from 3 to 20 carbon atoms, in certain embodiments the heteroaryl group can have from 3 to 18 carbon atoms.

"Substituted" refers to a group in which one or more hydrogen atoms are each independently replaced with substituents (e.g. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 or more) which may be the same or different. Examples of substituents include but are not limited to -halo, -CFa, Ra, -0-Ra, -S-Re, -NRaRb, -CN, -C(0)-R8, -COORa, -C(S)-R8, -C(S)01Ra, S(0)20H, -S(0)2-Ra, -S(0)2NR8Rb and -CONRaRb. Ra and Rb are independently selected from the groups consisting of H, alkyl, aryl, arylalkyl, heteroalkyl, heteroaryl, or Ra and Rb together with the atom to which they are attached form a heterocycloalkyl group, and wherein Ra and IR' may be unsubstituted or further substituted as defined herein.

In certain embodiments the heteroaryl contains one or more (e.g. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 or more) nitrogen atoms. In certain embodiments the heteroaryl contains one or more (e.g. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 or more) oxygen atoms.

In certain embodiments the synthetic cannabinoid comprises one or more (e.g. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, or more) Ca to C24 heteroaryl groups wherein the one or more (e.g. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, or more) heteroaryl groups are nitrogen containing heteroaryl groups. In certain embodiments the synthetic cannabinoid comprises one or more (e.g. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, or more) Ca to 020 heteroaryl groups wherein the one or more (e.g. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, or more) heteroaryl groups are nitrogen containing heteroaryl groups. In certain embodiments the synthetic cannabinoid comprises one or more (e.g. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, or more) Ca to C18 heteroaryl groups wherein the one or more (e.g. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, or more) heteroaryl groups are nitrogen containing heteroaryl groups.

In certain embodiments the synthetic cannabinoid comprises one or more (e.g. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, or more) C3 to C24 heteroaryl groups wherein the one or more (e.g. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, or more) heteroaryl groups are oxygen containing heteroaryl groups. In certain embodiments the synthetic cannabinoid comprises one or more (e.g. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, or more) Ca to 020 heteroaryl groups wherein the one or more (e.g. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, or more) heteroaryl groups are oxygen containing heteroaryl groups. In certain embodiments the synthetic cannabinoid comprises one or more (e.g. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, or more) Ca to Ci8 heteroaryl groups wherein the one or more (e.g. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, or more) heteroaryl groups are oxygen containing heteroaryl groups.

In certain embodiments the structure of the synthetic cannabinoid comprises one or more structural groups selected from one or more of the following groups or their derivatives -indolyl, indazolyl, azaindolyl, benzimidazolyl, pyrrolyl, pyrazolyl, naphthalenyl, carbolinonyl, carbazolyl, sulfamoyl, benzoylpiperidinyl, aminoalkylindolyl, naphthoylindolyl, naphthoylpyrrolyl, phenlacetylindolyl, benzolindolyl, naphthylmethylindenyl, naphthylmethylindolyl, cyclohexylphenolyl, indole carboxamidyl, indazole carboxamidyl, carbazole carbodamidyl, adamantoil indolyl or dibenzopyranyl.

In certain embodiments the structure of the synthetic cannabinoid comprises one or more (e.g. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 or more) structural groups selected from one or more (e.g. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 or more) of the following groups or their derivatives -indolyl, indazolyl, azaindolyl, benzimidazolyl, pyrrolyl, pyrazolyl, naphthalyl, carbolinonyl, carbazolyl or sulfamoyl benzoylpiperidinyl. In other embodiments the structure of the synthetic cannabinoid comprises one or more of the following groups or their derivatives -indolyl, indazolyl, azaindolyl, benzimidazolyl, pyrrolyl, pyrazolyl, carbolinonyl, carbazolyl or benzoylpiperidinyl. In other embodiments the structure of the synthetic cannabinoid comprises one or more (e.g. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 or more) UV active groups selected from one or more (e.g. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 or more) of the following groups or their derivatives -naphthalyl. In other embodiments the structure of the synthetic cannabinoid comprises one or more (e.g. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 or more) UV active groups selected from one or more (e.g. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 or more) of the following groups or their derivatives -sulfamoyl.

In other embodiments the structure of the synthetic cannabinoid comprises one or more (e.g. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 or more) UV active groups selected from one or more (e.g. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 or more) of the of the following groups or their derivatives -aminoalkylindolyl, naphthoylindolyl, naphthoylpyrrolyl, phenlacetylindolyl, benzolindolyl, naphthylmethylindenyl, naphthylmethylindolyl, cyclohexylphenolyl, indole carboxamidyl, indazole carboxamidyl, carbazole carbodamidyl, adamantoil indolyl or dibenzopyranyl. In other embodiments the structure of the synthetic cannabinoid comprises one or more (e.g. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 or more) UV active groups selected from one or more (e.g. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 or more) of the following groups or their derivatives -aminoalkylindolyl, naphthoylindolyl, naphthoylpyrrolyl, phenlacetylindolyl, benzolindolyl, naphthylmethylindenyl, naphthylmethylindolyl, indole carboxamidyl, indazole carboxamidyl, carbazole carbodamidyl and adamantoil indolyl. In other embodiments the structure of the synthetic cannabinoid comprises one or more of the following groups or their derivatives -cyclohexylphenolyl, or dibenzopyranyl.

In certain embodiments the at least one compound of interest comprises one or more of amphetamine, cathinone, ketamine, methyldiethylmethamphetamine, cocaine, phenethylamine, caffeine, cannabidiol, lysergic acid diethylamide, methamphetamine, fentanyl and its derivatives carfentanyl alfentanil, sufentanil or remifentanil, 2-(4-iodo-2,5)-dimethoxypheny1)-N-1(2-methoxyphenyOrnethyilethanamine (251-NBOMe), 2-(4-chloro-2,5-dimeihoxypheny1)-N4(2-methoxyphenyl)methyllethanarnine (25C-NBOMe) or 2-(4-brorno-2,5-dimeihoxypheny1)-N-R2-methoxyphenyOrriethyllethanamine (25B-NBOMe).

In certain embodiments the at least one compound of interest is selected from one or more of the group of naphthoylindoles, naphthylmethlindoles, naphthylpyrroles, naphthylmethylindenes, phenylacetylindoles or cyclohexylphenols.

In certain embodiments the at least one compound of interest is selected from one or more of the following group tetrahydrocannabinol, aminoalklindoles, quinolines, naphthoylindoles.

In certain embodiments the at least one compound of interest is comprises tetrahydrocannabinol.

In certain embodiments the sample comprises at least one compound of interest on the surface of a matrix. In other embodiments the sample comprises at least one compound of interest impregnated in a matrix. In certain embodiments the matrix comprises one or more of natural fibers, synthetic fibers, cellulose fibers, paper, card, wood, polymers or metal. In other embodiments the matrix comprises paper or card. In other embodiments the matrix comprises paper.

In certain embodiments the sample comprises at least one compound of interest on the surface of paper. In certain embodiments the sample comprises at least one compound of interest impregnated in paper.

In certain embodiments the sample comprises one or more psychoactive compounds, cannabinoids or synthetic cannabinoids on the surface of a matrix. In other embodiments the sample comprises one or more psychoactive compounds, cannabinoids or synthetic cannabinoids impregnated in a matrix. In certain embodiments the matrix comprises one or more of natural fibers, synthetic fibers, cellulose fibers, paper, card, wood, polymers or metal. In other embodiments the matrix comprises paper or card. In other embodiments the matrix comprises paper.

In certain embodiments the sample comprises at least one synthetic cannabinoids on the surface of paper. In certain embodiments the sample comprises at least one synthetic cannabinoids impregnated in paper. In other embodiments the sample comprises at least one synthetic cannabinoids on the surface of paper and impregnated in paper. In other embodiments the sample comprises at least one synthetic cannabinoids on a surface.

In certain embodiments the sample comprises one or more psychoactive compounds on the surface of paper. In other embodiments the sample comprises one or more psychoactive compounds impregnated in paper. In other embodiments the sample comprises one or more psychoactive compounds on the surface of paper and impregnated in paper. In other embodiments the sample comprises one or more psychoactive compounds on a surface.

In certain embodiments the sample comprises one or more cannabinoids on the surface of paper. In other embodiments the sample comprises one or more cannabinoids impregnated in paper. In other embodiments the sample comprises one or more cannabinoids on the surface of paper and impregnated in paper. In other embodiments the sample comprises one or more cannabinoids on a surface.

Brief description of the drawings

The invention will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the drawings, in which: Figure 1 shows an apparatus according to a first embodiment; Figure 2 shows an alternative apparatus according an embodiment; Figure 3 shows the fluorescence emission of indazole when excited with 222nm light; Figure 4a shows patterned paper impregnated with indazole under natural light; Figure 4b shows the patterned paper impregnated with indazole of Figure 4a when excited with 222nm light; Figure 5a shows paper samples with no impregnantation, impregnation with MDMBFUBINACA, impregnation with AB-FUBINACA and impregnation with ABPINACA when radiated with 254 nm light; Figure 5b shows the paper samples of Figure 5a excited with 222 nm light with the emitted fluorescence captured using a camera and a 340 nm bandpass filter; Figure 6a shows unimpregnated paper and paper which has been impregnated by spray applying indazole, excited by 222 nm light; and Figure 6b shows the paper impregnated by spray of figure 6a excited by 222 nm light with the emitted fluorescence captured using a camera and a 340 nm bandpass filter.

Description of preferred embodiments

With reference to Figure 1, an apparatus suitable for confirming the presence of a fluorescent profile which is indicative of the presence or absence of at least one compound of interest in a sample.

The sample holder (102) is positioned such that an angle of incidence of a first excitation light provided by a first ultraviolet light source (103) is less than 90 degrees with respect to a sample holder (102), an angle of incidence of the second excitation light provided by a second ultraviolet light source (104) is less than 90 degrees with respect to the sample holder (102) and an angle of incidence of a third excitation light provided by a third ultraviolet light source (105) is less than 90 degrees with respect to the sample holder (102).

A detector (101) is provided substantially perpendicular to the sample.

With reference to Figure 2, an apparatus suitable for confirming the presence of a fluorescent profile which is indicative of the presence or absence of at least one compound of interest in a sample.

A sample holder (202) is positioned such that the angle of incidence of the first excitation light provided by a first ultraviolet light source (203) is less than 90 degrees with respect to the sample holder (202), an angle of incidence of a second excitation light provided by a second ultraviolet light source (204) is less than 90 degrees with respect to the sample holder (202) and an angle of incidence of a third excitation light provided by a third ultraviolet light source (205) is less than 90 degrees with respect to the sample holder (202).

A detector (201) is provided substantially perpendicular to a sample. A bandpass filter is provided between the sample (202) and the detector (201).

With reference to Figure 1, a method of using the apparatus suitable for confirming the presence of a fluorescent profile which is indicative of the presence or absence of at least one compound of interest in a sample.

A substantially solid sample is placed in a sample holder (102). The sample is excited by a first excitation light (103a) of a first discrete wavelength provided by a first ultraviolet light source (103). Fluorescence which is emitted by the sample as a result of this excitation (103b) is recorded by a detector (101).

The sample is excited by a second excitation light (104a) of a second discrete wavelength provided by a second ultraviolet light source (104). Fluorescence which is emitted by the sample as a result of this excitation (104b) is recorded by the detector (101).

The sample is excited by a third excitation light (105a) of a third discrete wavelength provided by a third ultraviolet light source (105). Fluorescence which is emitted by the sample as a result of this excitation (105b) is recorded by the detector (101).

The fluorescence which is recorded is compared to fluorescence profiles of known compounds. If the fluorescence recorded shows characteristic features which are present in the known fluorescence profile the presence or absence of at least one compound of interest can be determined.

A substantially solid sample is placed in a sample holder (202). The sample is excited by a first excitation light (203a) of a first discrete wavelength provided by a first ultraviolet light source (203). Fluorescent light which is emitted or excitation light which is scattered by the sample as a result of the excitation light (203b) passes through the bandpass filter (206) and the transmitted light is recorded by a detector (201).

The sample is excited by a second excitation light (204a) of a second discrete wavelength provided by a second ultraviolet light source (204). Fluorescent light which is emitted or excitation light which is scattered by the sample as a result of the excitation light (204b) passes through the bandpass filter (206) and the transmitted light is recorded by the detector (201).

The sample is excited by a third excitation light (205a) of a third discrete wavelength (205b) provided by a third ultraviolet light source (205).

Fluorescent light which is emitted or excitation light which is scattered by the sample as a result of the excitation light (205b) passes through the bandpass filter (206) and the transmitted light is recorded by the detector (201).

Examples

Example 1

Standard notepad paper was written on in a range of different inks, and deliberately contaminated with coffee, orange, apple and oil. A 17 mg/mL solution of indazole was prepared by dissolving indazole in acetone. A small region of the page of paper was then impregnated with some of the indazole solution, as indicated on figure 3. This gave an amount of indazole in the sample of approximately 1 mg. The whole page was then placed in the apparatus as outlined above and excited with 222 nm light. A 340 nm bandpass filter was used in front of the camera.

Figure 3 shows a clear fluorescence in the sample in the image obtained by the camera. There is no background fluorescence detected from the paper, such that the fluorescence observed is attributable to the indazole in the fluorescing region of 340 nm.

Example 2

Samples were prepared using patterned paper in order to assess the impact of such interferents. The paper was impregnated by spotting the paper with the indazole solution (as prepared in Example 1). This gave an amount of indazole in the sample of approximately 1 mg.

Figure 4a shows a section of the sample under natural light. Figure 4b shows a section of the sample when excited using 222nm. A 340 nm bandpass filter was used in front of the camera. Figure 4b shows the fluorescence emitted by the indazole, which can clearly be seen in the image obtained by the camera. There is no fluorescence detected elsewhere on the paper

Example 3

Samples were prepared by impregnating paper samples with different synthetic cannabinoids -MDMB-FUBINACA (Methyl N--([1-(4-fluarobenzyl)-1H-indazol-3-yl]carbony1}-3-methyl-Lyalinat) (SynCan 6), AB-FUBINACA (N-[(2S)-1-Amino-3-methyl-l-oxo-2-butanyl]-1-(4-fluorobenzyl). -1H-indazole-3-carboxamide) (SynCan 7) and AB-PINACA (N-(1-Amino-3-methy1-1-oxo-2-butany1)-1-pentyl-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide) (SynCan 8). Each of SynCan 6, SynCan 7 and SynCan 8 were dissolved in acetone to prepare 1 mg/mL solutions. Each of these solutions were independently spotted on separate pieces of paper, such that approximately 300 pg of each synthetic cannabinoid was impregnated in the paper. A control sample of the same paper which has not been impregnated was also prepared.

Figure 5a shows the samples as prepared when exciting each of the samples with 254 nm light and collecting emitted light using a camera with a visible bandpass filter.

As there is a strong fluorescence in each of the samples, as well as the control sample it can be inferred that the fluorescence is due to the optical brighteners in the paper. However, as the fluorescence is not uniform across the whole of the sample it is considered that the paper has been impregnated with a substance which absorbs light at 254 nm. This is indicative of synthetic cannabinoids being present within the sample.

Figure 5b shows the same samples when excited using 222 nm light, and detected using a camera with a 340 nm bandpass filter. It can be seen that the paper which is not impregnated shows no fluorescence, while the sample prepared with SynCan 6, the sample prepared with SynCan 7 and the sample prepared with SynCan 8 show clear fluorescence. In contrast to what is obtained in Figure 5 when exciting with 254 nm light, the emitted fluorescence is attributable to the synthetic cannabinoids impregnated therein.

Example 4

Samples were prepared by spraying indazole onto the paper using a simple hand operated pump dispenser. A control sample of paper which has not been impregnate is also used for reference. An excitation light of 222 nm was used to excite the samples and a collecting emitted light using a 340 nm bandpass filter.

Figure 6a shows the emitted fluorescence using 222 nm excitation and a 340 nm bandpass filter. The paper which is unimpregnated is shown on the left, and shows no fluorescence. The impregnated paper, shown on the right, shows fluorescence. The brighter the area the more concentrated the impregnation. There are darker sections and brighter sections and thus variation in the concentration of the impregnation can be seen.

A different section of the impregnated paper was imaged under the same conditions as above. Figure 6b shows the detected fluorescence with a characteristic spray-like pattern. This gives a clear indication that the material causing the fluorescence has been applied by a spray. Imaging in this way allows the user to detect areas of high concentration such that samples from these regions may be preferentially selected for further analysis.

Claims

CLAIMS1. An apparatus for confirming the presence or absence of a fluorescent profile which is indicative of the presence of at least one compound of interest in a sample, the apparatus comprising: a first ultraviolet light source with a first discrete wavelength providing a first excitation light; a second ultraviolet light source with a second discrete wavelength providing a second excitation light; a third ultraviolet light source with a third discrete wavelength providing a third excitation light; a sample holder with a window; and a detector configured to receive fluorescence signal wherein the detector is substantially perpendicular to the window of the sample holder; wherein: the first excitation light, second excitation light and third excitation light independently have an angle of incidence less than 900 with respect to the window of the sample holder; and the first discrete wavelength is between 190 and 250 nm, the second discrete wavelength is between 240 nm and 280 nm and the third discrete wavelength is 250 nm to 260 nm.
2. The apparatus according to claim 1 wherein each of the first ultraviolet light source, the second ultraviolet light source and the third ultraviolet light source are independently selected from the group consisting of: an incoherent excimer source, a light emitting diode light source, and a mercury discharge lamp.
3. The apparatus according to any preceding claim wherein the first ultraviolet light source is an incoherent excimer light source.
4. The apparatus according to claim 3 wherein the incoherent excimer light source is a krypton chloride excimer light source, argon fluoride excimer light source or a krypton fluoride excimer light source.
5. The apparatus according to claim 3 wherein the excimer light source is a krypton chloride excimer lamp.
6. The apparatus according to claim 1,2, 3 or 5 wherein the first discrete wavelength is 222 nm.
7. The apparatus according to any preceding claim wherein the second ultraviolet light source is a light emitting diode.
8. The apparatus according to any preceding claim wherein the second discrete wavelength is 280 nm.
9. The apparatus according to any preceding claim wherein the third ultraviolet light source is a mercury discharge lamp.
10. The apparatus according to any preceding claim wherein the first ultraviolet light source is an excimer light source, the second ultraviolet light source is a light emitting diode, and the third ultraviolet light source is a mercury discharge lamp.
11. The apparatus according to any preceding claim wherein the first discrete wavelength is 222 nm, the second discrete wavelength is 280 nm and the third discrete wavelength is 254 nm.
12. The apparatus according to any preceding claim wherein the first excitation light, the second excitation light and the third excitation light are independently selected from the group consisting of: a beam, a sheet, a spotlight, and a floodlight.
13. The apparatus according to any preceding claim wherein the detector is a photodiode array detector or a camera.
14. The apparatus according to claim 13 wherein the detector is a camera.
15. The apparatus according to claim 14 wherein the camera has a detection range of greater than 190 nm.
16. The apparatus according to any preceding wherein the output device is one or more of a screen, a light emitting device, a computer, or a sound device
17. The apparatus according to any preceding claim wherein the apparatus further comprises a bandpass filter.
18. The apparatus according to any preceding claim wherein the sample holder comprises a stage.
19. The apparatus according to any preceding claim further comprising a computing means for comparing the detected fluorescence to a predefined fluorescence profile for the at least one compound of interest and confirming the presence or absence of the at least one compound of interest.
20. A system comprising the apparatus preceding claim further comprising an enclosure.
21. A system according to claim 20 further comprising an interlocking circuit, operational when a power supply is switched on.
22. A method of using the apparatus of any preceding claim confirm the indicative presence or absence of at least one compound of interest in a sample using the apparatus of the present invention, the method comprising at least one or more of steps a), b) and c): (a) exciting the sample in the sample holder using the first excitation light and collecting fluorescence emitted by the sample using the detector; (b) exciting the sample in the sample holder using the second excitation light and collecting fluorescence emitted by the sample using the detector; (c) exciting the sample in the sample holder using the third excitation light and collecting fluorescence emitted by the sample using the detector; and additionally comprising the steps: (d) comparing the detected fluorescence to a predefined fluorescence profile for the at least one compound of interest; and (e) correlating the results of the comparison step (d) to determine the indicative presence or absence of the at least one compound of interest.
23. The method according to claim 22 wherein the detector is a camera with a detection wavelength of greater than 190 nm.
24. The method according to claim 22 or 23 wherein a bandpass filter is used between the sample and the detector.
25. The method according to claim 22, 23 or 24 wherein the at least one compound of interest comprises cannabinoids.
26. The method according to claim 23 wherein the at least one compound of interest comprises synthetic cannabinoids.
27. The method according to any of claims 21-26 wherein the at least one compound of interest compounds is on the surface of a matrix and/or impregnated in a matrix.
28. The method according to any of claim 27 wherein the matrix is paper.