Forensic electrochemistry: the electroanalytical sensing of Rohypnol® (flunitrazepam) using screen-printed graphite electrodes without recourse for electrode or sample pre-treatment

Analyst. 2013 Oct 21;138(20):6185-91. doi: 10.1039/c3an01352a. Epub 2013 Aug 23.

Abstract

The electroanalytical sensing of Rohypnol® (flunitrazepam) is reported for the first time utilising screen-printed graphite electrodes without the requirement for any additional pre-treatment or modification. The methodology is shown to be useful for quantifying low levels (μg mL(-1)) of Rohypnol® in not only buffered solutions but also two internationally favoured drinks: Coca Cola™ and the alcopop WKD™ without any sample pre-treatment. The current analytical approaches for the sensing of Rohypnol® are also summarised within this paper. The niche of this electroanalytical protocol is the lack of the requirement of any pre-treatment of the sample/beverage or electrode modification (cleaning, pre-treatment etc.) for the determination of Rohypnol® in beverages and offers a potential rapid, cost-effective, yet suitably sensitive and accurate screening solution to the problem posed by coloured drinks to products such as the colour changing 'Smart Cup'.

MeSH terms

  • Beverages / analysis*
  • Electrochemical Techniques / methods*
  • Electrodes
  • Flunitrazepam / analysis*
  • Flunitrazepam / blood
  • Forensic Toxicology / methods*
  • Graphite / chemistry*
  • Humans

Substances

  • Flunitrazepam
  • Graphite