Batch Injection Analysis‐Multiple Pulse Amperometric Fingerprint: A Simple Approach for Fast On‐site Screening of Drugs

• Published in: Electroanalysis (New York, N.Y.) Vol. 29; no. 12; pp. 2847 - 2854
• Main Authors: Garcia Cardozo, Camila, Melo Cardoso, Rafael, Matheus Guimarães Selva, Thiago, Evaristo de Carvalho, Adriana, Torres Pio dos Santos, Wallans, Regis Longo Cesar Paixão, Thiago, Amorim Bezerra da Silva, Rodrigo
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: 01.12.2017
• Subjects: Batch Injection Analysis (BIA); Boron-Doped Diamond Electrode; Fingerprinting; Multiple Pulse Amperometry (MPA); Screening; Sildenafil Citrate (Viagra)
• ISSN: 1040-0397; 1521-4109
• DOI: 10.1002/elan.201700520

In this work, the association of batch injection analysis with multiple pulse amperometric detection (BIA‐MPA) is presented as a new approach to obtain drugs fingerprints. To illustrate the potential of this screening method, tablets containing sildenafil as the active substance were used. Here, a sequence of three potential pulses as a function of time (+1.3, +1.6 and +2.1 V) were applied on a boron‐doped diamond electrode while reproducible injections were performed in a BIA cell (wall jet configuration). The chemical profile of the respective drug combined three ratios among the peak currents obtained in each amperogram: R1=ipa1.6V/ipa1.3V, R2=ipa2.1V/ipa1.6V, R3=ipa2.1V/ipa1.3V. This simple protocol allowed discrimination between Viagra® (reference)/generic and two smuggled tablets, as well as pure Viagra® from Viagra® adulterated with other electroactive compounds (caffeine, dipyrone, paracetamol and tadalafil). For comparison, screening of these samples was also performed using square wave voltammetry combined with a chemometric method (principal component analysis), in which was achieved similar discrimination by one or other strategy for the most of drugs. This new BIA‐MPA fingerprinting combines desirable features in forensic science such as low cost, simplicity, high sample throughput (two drugs discerned in less than 30 s) and portability (screening at the place of the seizure).