Colorimetric and fluorescent detection of synthetic cathinones in oral fluid with meso-aryl BODIPYs and Cu(ii)

[EN] Synthetic cathinones are a class of new psychoactive substances whose consumption has increased a lot and is widespread throughout the world. Thus, there is currently a need for rapid and simple detection of these drugs. In particular, detection of synthetic cathinones in oral fluid in drivers can be of great importance in preventing traffic accidents. Herein, we report two probes, based on BODIPY derivatives combined with Cu(ii), which are able to detect these drugs both in water and in oral fluid, by changes in color and fluorescence. The determined limits of detection for ephedrone (as a model drug) are lower than the usual concentrations in saliva after intake of this type of drug. The sensing mechanism seems to be related to the cathinone induced reduction of Cu(ii) to Cu(i) with concomitants changes in the BODIPY structure. We thank the Spanish Government, MCIN/AEI/10.13039/501100011033 and "ERDF A way of making Europe" (fund RTL2018-100910-B-C42), the Spanish Ministry of Health, Consumer Affairs and Social Welfare (Project 2020I040 PNSD 2020) and Generalitat Valenciana (PROMETEO 2018/024) for financial support. SCSIE (Universitat de Valencia) is gratefully acknowledged for all the equipment employed. NMR was registered at the U26 facility of ICTS "NAMBIOSIS" at the Universitat of Valencia. Hernández-Contreras, J.; Parra Álvarez, M.; Gil Grau, S.; Costero, AM.; Arroyo, P.; Sancenón Galarza, F.; Martínez-Máñez, R... (2022). Colorimetric and fluorescent detection of synthetic cathinones in oral fluid with meso-aryl BODIPYs and Cu(ii). RSC Advances. 12(44):28580-28585. https://doi.org/10.1039/d2ra05188e