Honors Theses
Date of Award
2015
Document Type
Undergraduate Thesis
Department
Chemistry and Biochemistry
First Advisor
Murrell Godfrey
Relational Format
Dissertation/Thesis
Abstract
The purpose of this research was to develop a method for the detection and quantitation of caffeine and 11-nor-9-carboxy-Δ9- tetrahydrocannabinol in fingerprints using matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization mass spectrometry (MALDI-MS). The matrix used was 2,5-dihydroxybenzoic acid (DHB). The presence of the analytes was confirmed by analysis using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS). 11-nor-9-carboxy-Δ9- tetrahydrocannabinol was chosen as the drug of interest because it is the major metabolite of tetrahydrocannabinol, the main psychoactive component of marijuana. Marijuana's popularity as a recreational drug continues to increase with its legalization and decriminalization across the country. It is critical to establish methods for the quantification of the drug in humans for the purpose of determining levels of intoxication, similar to measuring blood alcohol levels. This research shows that MALDI-MS is not capable of quantification at this time, only qualitation within the limits of detection of the instrument. Further studies will explore better methods to improve quantification and new matrices to improve the limit of detection.
Recommended Citation
Roussel, Madison, "Method Development for the Detection and Quantitation of Illicit Drugs in Fingerprints Using Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption Ionization-Mass Spectrometry" (2015). Honors Theses. 617.
https://egrove.olemiss.edu/hon_thesis/617
Accessibility Status
Searchable text