Voltammetric fingerprints: data analysis & valorization action.

Detection and identification of illegal drugs is a major task of both police and customs authorities in order to prevent drug-dealing and consumption in our society. An accurate test is crucial to support this process. Within the AXES research group at UAntwerp, a new method was developed to achieve a fast and accurate detection of cocaine at low cost, using an electrochemical sensor. By using this method, the limitations and restrictions of existing tests can be tackled (i.e. interpretation sensitivity, false positives/negatives, and environmental influences). The developed technique is currently operational in a lab setting, but needs to be adjusted and translated to be effective on location. For this reason it is crucial in this phase of the research to focus on the development of a software to translate the scientific data into a simple readout for non-experts and on an appropriate valorization plan to bring the final product as close as possible to the market. Thus, we aim within the present project to (1) develop methods for data treatment and analysis which will strikingly improve accuracy of drug detection, (2) thoroughly test and verify the final portable prototype product with future end users, and (3) built a sound valorization plan. It should be emphasized that the scope of the data analysis is broader than only drugs detection. The developed methods for data treatment and analysis will also be used in future for the interpretation of the voltammetric fingerprints of other target molecules such as antibiotics.

Keywords:DRUG DETECTION, ELECTROCHEMISTRY, DATA ANALYSIS

Disciplines:Electrochemical methods