Particle-based drug detection method and device embodiments
Inventors
Hill, Jr., Herbert H. • Clowers, Brian • Lovrich, Nicholas
Assignees
Washington State University WSU
Publication Number
US-11726102-B2
Publication Date
2023-08-15
Expiration Date
2036-07-22
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Abstract
Disclosed herein are embodiments of methods for detecting the presence of and amount of drugs in a sample, particularly a particle sample obtained from a subject. In particular disclosed embodiments, the particle samples are skin particle samples, saliva particle samples, and/or mucous samples isolated from a subject and analyzed using thermal desorption methods combined with a selected detection method.
Core Innovation
The invention discloses methods and devices for detecting the presence and amount of drugs, especially Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), in particle samples obtained from a subject. The particle samples can be skin particles, saliva particles, or mucous particles, which are collected non-invasively from locations such as the mouth, tongue, or nose. These samples are then subjected to thermal desorption, which volatilizes the drugs present on the solid components, such as skin or hair particles, for subsequent analysis.
The problem addressed is the need for rapid, reliable, non-invasive, and field-friendly methods for detecting THC and other drugs in subjects. Conventional drug detection techniques involve invasive sampling (such as blood or urine), require specialized training due to biohazard risks, are time consuming, and are unsuitable for fast or on-site use. Additionally, conventional approaches often analyze only volatile breath compounds, ignoring non-volatile or semi-volatile drug residues that are adsorbed onto expelled or collected biological particles.
By collecting and analyzing particle samples obtained from human breath, swabs, or mucous and employing thermal desorption followed by spectrometry, chromatography, or visual detection techniques, the disclosed embodiments enable detection of THC and other semi-volatile drugs. The methods can use devices such as breathalyzers or swabs equipped with particle-trapping components and thermal desorbers, including options for inductively coupled heating. These approaches allow for the identification of signature peaks or color changes indicating the presence of drugs in a subject's system quickly and without the need for complex laboratory resources.
Claims Coverage
There are three main inventive features in the independent claims of the patent.
Detecting THC absorbed onto solid components of saliva and/or mucous particle samples using thermal desorption and analytical detection
This feature involves exposing a saliva and/or mucous particle sample obtained from a subject to heat via thermal desorption to produce a volatilized sample from a solid skin and/or hair particle onto which THC is absorbed. The volatilized sample is then analyzed by spectrometry detection techniques, visual detection techniques, chromatography detection techniques, or combinations of these methods to determine the presence of THC absorbed onto the solid component prior to thermal desorption.
Breath-based particle sampling and analysis with detachable particle-trapping and heating devices
A method for obtaining a particle sample from a subject by isolating breath containing the sample and directing it into a first device with a particle-trapping component (with a collecting medium) and a heat source detachably coupled to the trapping component, heating the sample to 100°C-500°C. The volatilized sample is analyzed with a detection device for the presence of THC by viewing a THC signature peak, a color change, or a read-out message if THC is present.
Detecting drugs or metabolites from breath-isolated particle samples with signature peaks, color changes, or read-outs
A method of obtaining a particle sample from a subject's breath (comprising solid skin and/or hair particles), directing it into a first device with a particle-trapping component and heat source (exposing the sample to 100°C-500°C), and analyzing the volatilized sample with a detection device to determine the presence of one or more signature peaks, color changes, or corresponding read-outs, indicating the presence of THC, other drugs, or metabolites in the particle sample.
In summary, the inventive features address detecting THC and other drugs from non-invasively collected solid biological particle samples using thermal desorption and various analytical detection techniques, including field-deployable breath or swab-based devices with specific components for collection, desorption, and detection.
Stated Advantages
Provides a fast and reliable, non-invasive method for detecting THC and other semi-volatile drugs in a subject.
Enables on-site and field-friendly drug testing suitable for law enforcement and workplace compliance.
Eliminates the need for specialized training for sample collection and handling associated with biohazardous materials such as blood or urine.
Reduces analysis time compared to conventional laboratory-based drug testing methods.
Allows detection of drugs from particle samples that are typically discarded in conventional methods.
Destroys biological samples after collection, alleviating privacy and specimen storage concerns.
Has the ability to render any nucleic acid components (e.g., DNA) undetectable, addressing privacy or forensic issues.
Offers high sensitivity, capable of detecting drugs at amounts as low as 5-10 ng.
Can be adaptable for qualitative or quantitative analysis of drugs present in the sample.
Documented Applications
Field detection of THC and other drugs by law enforcement, including roadside testing of potentially drugged drivers.
Workplace compliance drug testing in public and private sector environments.
On-site and rapid testing for health fields, including hospitals and veterinary clinics, to assess drug exposure or intoxication.
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