Project description
On-the-spot detection of date rape drugs
Benzodiazepines are sedative drugs that work on the central nervous system to slow down body and brain function. Although widely used to treat anxiety and insomnia, there are incidences where they have been used for sexual assault to incapacitate another person. The EU-funded e-gainstRapeDrugs project aims to develop a sensor for the detection of benzodiazepines to prevent social crimes. Researchers will exploit 3D printing to generate sensors and undertake extensive analysis of the drug molecular species that will be sensed. The resultant product can be easily used by anyone to detect benzodiazepine drugs on the spot.
Objective
The main objective of this work is to develop simple sensing solutions for benzodiazepines (BDZ, date rape drugs) detection. The outcomes of this project are expected to be visible to citizens as the fully functional sensing solutions. Proposed innovation is a resultant of three main streams: (i) 3D printing for the sensors development, (ii) comprehensive electroanalysis of BDZs at the electrified liquid-liquid interface (eLLI), and (iii) very meticulous electroanalytical screening focused on BDZ and co-existing interfering species (defined based on target real samples). BDZ are psychoactive species renowned for their ability to induce sedation, aid sleep and are prescribed to treat a range of clinical conditions (e.g. anxiety). Some BDZs and their structural analogues are classified as illicit drugs and are subjected to strict control. The combination of BDZ and alcohol was mostly related to drug-facilitated crimes such as sexual assaults. Due to related health and economic issues caused by BDZs it is necessary to strengthen their on-the-spot detection. This project will develop eLLI based analytical tools to evade BDZ related social crimes and health hazards. 3D printing will be used to create sensing platforms that can be utilized on the spot. Further, the solutions proposed in this proposal are expected to be fully applicable for the presumptive analysis of BDZ drugs by non-expects and possess commercial opportunities for widespread adoption. The adviser and the researcher bring complimentary experience in the domains of eLLI and electrochemical sensors. Moreover, the goal of this project is to enhance the innovative potential of researcher who wish to acquire new skills through advanced training, mobility, new environment, and who is seeking to continue his career in research. MSCA guidelines on supervision Will be followed to foster soft and hard skills of researcher, willing to contribute to solving the challenges defined by the MSCA Green Charter.
Fields of science
Keywords
Programme(s)
Funding Scheme
HORIZON-TMA-MSCA-PF-EF - HORIZON TMA MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships - European FellowshipsCoordinator
90-136 LODZ
Poland