Forensic Investigation of delta-9-Tetrahydrocannabinol by Spectroelectrochemistry and Gas Chromatography â?? An Emerging Practice in Forensic Analysis

4^th International Conference on Forensic Science, Medicine, Research Technology

SEPTEMBER 19-20, 2024 | LONDON, UK

Ketan Patil

National Forensic Sciences University, Gandhinagar,India.

Keynote: J Sports Med Dop Stud

Abstract :

Marijuana is a drug that is most frequently seized and has received global attention for its illicit use. In this study, delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) was identified using a novel voltammetric method, and its spectral data was analyzed to identify the functional groups involved in the chemical reaction. The voltammetry tests were carried out in methanol utilizing a screenprinted carbon electrode as the working electrode and potassium nitrate 0.15 mol/L as the supporting electrolyte. Following a 60s preconcentration step with an applied potential of 0.5 V (vs. Ag/AgCl), the anodic peak current was measured between 0.0 V and 0.2 V. With a linear correlation value of 0.995 and a detection limit of 0.57 10-5 mol L-1, it was possible to get a linear dependency of D9-THC detection in the concentration range of 1.875- 3-mol L-1. The FTIR analysis of THC reveals the existence of the phenol group, which undergoes an oxidation reaction on the working electrode, in the range of 1319 to 1310 cm-1. THC was found in samples that were seized and thought to be cannabis using the Spectro electrochemical method. Preparative TLC was used to pre-purify the samples by removing interferences from the samples using a hexane: acetone (8:2 v/v) mobile phase. The spectroelectrochemical analysis followed by detection of THC in which a method was developed and validated based on fast gas chromatography coupled to flame ionization detector (Fast GC-FID). The method has analysis time of 7.0 min and outstanding linearity (r2 >0.999), with good repeatability (intraday < 2.55%; interday < 4.5%) and sensitivity (LOD =1.86 ppm LOQ=6.214). The Fast GC-FID method suitability for detection and quantitation of Δ9-THC in cannabis, was tested successfully and the voltametric results showed excellent correlation with results attained by Fast GC-FID.

Biography :

Mr. Ketan Patil received his M.Sc. (Forensic Science) from from Dr. Harisingh Gour University, Sagar University, Madhya Pradesh, India, and pursuing a Ph.D. degree from National Forensic Sciences University (Formerly GFSU), Gandhinagar, Gujarat, India. Presently, he is serving as Scientific Assistant at Centre of Excellence for Research and Analysis of Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (COENDPS) at the National Forensic Sciences University, India. He has published 10 publications, 01 copyright and 01 patent in the domain of forensic science. He has good expertise of working on difference chromatographic & spectroscopic instruments. He was awarded by Best Research Scholar Award by Vivekanad Global University (NAAC A+) in 2023.