Raman spectroscopy coupled with ambient ionization mass spectrometry: A forensic laboratory investigation into rapid and simple dual instrumental analysis techniques

Abstract

We present a laboratory experiment, developed around a pair of instrumental analysis techniques, Raman spectroscopy and ambient ionization mass spectrometry (MS), conducted by senior chemistry undergraduate students for bulk analysis of over-the-counter drugs using benchtop versions of the two instruments, as well as trace analysis of illicit drugs utilizing the corresponding portable instruments. The identification and confirmation of seized drugs is a routine operation in forensic laboratories that can be simplified using these two instrumental techniques in tandem. Bulk samples are readily analyzed using conventional Raman spectroscopy followed by paper cone spray ionization (PCSI) MS, while trace analysis is allowed by a simple single-substrate dual-analyzer method using surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) from paper followed by paper spray ionization (PSI) MS. The introduction of these novel strategies to the students exposed them to potential career paths in forensic science by means of a hands-on experience that provided fundamental knowledge about this set of analytical methods, including intercomparisons of their performance, as well as practical issues like costs, regulations and databases. The use of portable instrumentation represents an additional learning experience for the students, considering that it is cutting-edge technology that is just now being transferred from academic to industrial labs and that it allows a valuable discussion of the advantages and disadvantages of bringing the laboratory to the field.