Abstract
Gamma-hydroxybutyric acid (GHB), which is used in drug-facilitated sexual assault, is typically delivered in the form of gamma-butyrolactone (GBL) in beverage carriers. In response to the growing need of methods for rapid and on-site sensing of the drugs, we carried out an investigation aimed at developing a superwettable microchip for visual detection of the date-rape drug GBL in adulterated beverages. The superwettable microchip is comprised of Fe3O4 nanoparticles which aggregate to form a reactive spot on a superhydrophobic fabric. The spot captures and confines microdroplets containing GBL on the superhydrophobic substrate. Fe(III), generated by HCl promoted reaction of the Fe3O4 spot, then participates in a colorimetric reaction with GBL to form a naked eye observable colored complex. Quantitative determination of GBL in beverages is achieved by analyzing the red proportion of a smartphone camera derived image. The detection range of this assay protocol is ca. 0.1–10 mg mL−1, which meets the requirements to detect potentially dangerous concentration of GBL in drinks. The detection stability of the superwettable microchip for GBL in water and common beverages is maintained over at least 30 cycles.
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