Capture and analysis of MDMB-4en-PINACA and ADB-4en-PINACA in exhaled breath using functionalized cotton fiber: A novel approach to noninvasive drug abuse detection

Breath analysis has emerged as a promising noninvasive method for detecting drug abuse, offering potential advantages over traditional blood or urine samples. However, the capture and analysis of trace analytes in exhaled breath (EB) remains a challenge for practical applications. In this study, we explore the utilization of poly (methacrylic anhydride-co-ethylene glycol dimethacrylate)-functionalized cotton fiber (poly (MAA-co-EGDMA)-functionalized cotton fiber) for the capture of MDMB-4en-PINACA and ADB-4en-PINACA, two popular synthetic cannabinoids, from exhaled breath. Capture efficiencies of 92 % and 88 % for MDMB-4en-PINACA and ADB-4en-PINACA were achieved demonstrating robust performance across batches and excellent stability. Animal experiments were conducted and exhaled breath samples were collected and analyzed. Shorter half-lives were shown for MDMB-4en-PINACA and ADB-4en-PINACA in EB than in plasma. The detection window for MDMB-4en-PINACA was 210 min, while 150 min for ADB-4en-PINACA. This pilot study presents a novel approach for the capture of MDMB-4en-PINACA and ADB-4en-PINACA in exhaled breath using functionalized cotton fiber. The demonstrated efficacy in capturing MDMB-4en-PINACA and ADB-4en-PINACA highlights the potential of this low-cost and stable platform for noninvasive drug abuse detection. By offering a viable alternative to invasive methods, our findings demonstrate a new noninvasive method of drug abuse detection using exhaled breath holds great promise for enhancing public health efforts to combat drug abuse.