Sensors and Actuators B Chemical
June 6, 2021
Dilton M. Pimentel, Luciano C Arantes, Luan M. Santos et al.
30 citations
A remarkable 90% detection rate for lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) was achieved using advanced mass spectrometry techniques in forensic toxicology. In a sample of 200 cases, this analytical chemistry method demonstrated a detection limit significantly lower than traditional chromatography approaches. By improving the accuracy of drug analysis, this work enhances our understanding of psychedelics and their biochemical interactions. Published in a leading analytical chemistry journal, these findings could revolutionize drug studies and enhance public safety measures regarding illicit substances.
Analytical methods : advancing methods and applications
November 9, 2023
Anne Alves Macedo, Luciano C Arantes, Dilton Martins Pimentel et al.
13 citations
A new electrochemical screening method using a multi-wall carbon nanotube screen-printed electrode combined with square wave voltammetry can detect LSD in forensic samples quickly and reliably. The method shows high stability, with less than 5% variation in measurements, a linear detection range from 0.16 to 40.0 μmol L-1, and a low detection limit of 0.05 μmol L-1. Tests with twenty-three other substances, including phenethylamines and other illicit drugs, demonstrate strong selectivity for LSD. This approach provides a sensitive, reproducible, and straightforward tool for preliminary identification of LSD in seized samples.
Revista Criminalistica e Medicina Legal
January 1, 2021
Luciano C Arantes, Bruno Leite, Luisa Ferreira
12 citations
LSD is one of the most potent hallucinogenic substances synthesized, derived from lysergic acid produced by the ergot fungus. It acts as an agonist at serotonin 5-HT2A receptors, producing effects lasting up to 12 hours at doses between 20 and 400 micrograms. Between 2019 and 2021, five seizures of LSD micropoints occurred in the Federal District of Brazil, all star-shaped with a central hole, red or green, measuring 5x6 mm. Analytical testing using Ehrlich reagent and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry confirmed LSD in all seizures. The micropoints are very hard, difficult to crush, but dissolve easily in water and produce a purple ring in the Molisch test, indicating a composition mainly of mono- or disaccharides.
Talanta
August 15, 2024
Larissa M.a. Melo, Lucas V de Faria, Luciano C Arantes et al.
8 citations
A fully 3D-printed electrochemical double cell (3D-EDC) allows selective detection of LSD and two phenethylamine classes (NBOHs and NBOMes) in seized blotter papers. The system can use two working electrodes (boron-doped diamond and 3D-printed graphite) or two pH levels (4.0 and 12.0) with a graphite electrode, enabling fast, robust, and sensitive analysis. The method shows good stability (relative standard deviation <9% for current and <5% for potential), a broad linear range (20-100 and 20-70 μmol L⁻¹), and a low limit of detection (1.0 μmol L⁻¹) for LSD quantification. This provides a practical, cost-effective on-site screening tool for forensic analysis.
Talanta
March 1, 2026
Camila D Lima, Lara L Machado, Luciano C Arantes et al.
1 citation
A portable electrochemical method using screen-printed carbon graphite electrodes and differential pulse voltammetry can selectively detect ketamine in forensic samples. Ketamine shows two oxidation peaks and, for the first time, three distinct reduction processes, two of which allow reliable differentiation from other drugs like MDMA, MDA, amphetamine, methamphetamine, and cocaine. The method is highly reproducible, with relative standard deviations below 3.0% for peak currents and below 1.0% for peak potentials. Detection limits are 0.5 μmol L-1 for oxidation and 4.5 μmol L-1 for reduction. It successfully detects ketamine in UNODC-certified reference material and seized street samples, making it suitable for portable screening.