title: Forensic electrochemistry: the electroanalytical sensing of Rohypnol® (flunitrazepam) using screen-printed graphite electrodes without recourse for electrode or sample pre-treatment.
abstract: The electroanalytical sensing of Rohypnol® (flunitrazepam) is reported for the first time utilising screen-printed graphite electrodes without the requirement for any additional pre-treatment or modification. The methodology is shown to be useful for quantifying low levels (μg mL(-1)) of Rohypnol® in not only buffered solutions but also two internationally favoured drinks: Coca Cola™ and the alcopop WKD™ without any sample pre-treatment. The current analytical approaches for the sensing of Rohypnol® are also summarised within this paper. The niche of this electroanalytical protocol is the lack of the requirement of any pre-treatment of the sample/beverage or electrode modification (cleaning, pre-treatment etc.) for the determination of Rohypnol® in beverages and offers a potential rapid, cost-effective, yet suitably sensitive and accurate screening solution to the problem posed by coloured drinks to products such as the colour changing 'Smart Cup'.
authors: Faculty of Science and Engineering, School of Chemistry and the Environment, Division of Chemistry and Environmental Science, Manchester Metropolitan University, Chester Street, Manchester M15GD, Lancs, UK. c.banks@mmu.ac.uk.
authors: Jamie P
authors: JP
authors: Smith
authors: Jonathan P
authors: JP
authors: Metters
authors: Dimitrios K
authors: DK
authors: Kampouris
authors: Carlos
authors: C
authors: Lledo-Fernandez
authors: Oliver B
authors: OB
authors: Sutcliffe
authors: Craig E
authors: CE
authors: Banks
mesh_terms: D001628:Beverages / Q000032:analysis*; D055664:Electrochemical Techniques / Q000379:methods*; D004566:Electrodes; D005445:Flunitrazepam / Q000032:analysis* / Q000097:blood; D053593:Forensic Toxicology / Q000379:methods*; D006108:Graphite / Q000737:chemistry*; D006801:Humans
chemical_list: D005445:Flunitrazepam; D006108:Graphite