Evaluation of analytical efficiency, sustainability and applicability of microextraction based analytical methods for drugs of abuse using a white analytical chemistry approach

Abstract

The analysis of drugs in biological and non-biological matrices is essential for various purposes, such as determining the cause of death, investigating drug-facilitated crimes, and facilitating clinical research. The ease of access and the potential for addiction to these drugs contribute to their high consumption globally. Illicit use of drugs underscores the significance of accurate and reliable analytical methods. This study critically evaluated 22 distinct analytical methods crucial in forensic toxicology for the detection of prominent drugs, including amphetamines, antidepressants, cannabinoids, cocaine, opioids, and antihistamines reported during the last five years (2018–2023). The evaluation framework employed is the RGB12 algorithm, a novel concept in white analytical chemistry (WAC). The assessment reveals a comprehensive overview of the strengths and weaknesses of each method in adherence to WAC principles. The methods were scrutinized based on their performance in terms of scope, sensitivity, precision, accuracy, toxicity, reagent consumption, energy efficiency, cost-effectiveness, time efficiency, and operational simplicity. The RGB12 algorithm provides a systematic and holistic approach to evaluate these methods, offering valuable insights for the development of future analytical techniques in forensic toxicology.