Single-use dye displacement colorimetry assay based on molecularly imprinted polymers: Towards fast and on-site detection of xylazine in alcoholic beverages
Ramiro Marroquin‐Garcia, Gil van Wissen, Thomas J. Cleij, Kasper Eersels, Bart van Grinsven, Hanne Diliën
Abstract
The use of the veterinary tranquilizer xylazine as an adulterant poses a major health problem in the world. Involuntary consumption of this drug (e.g. spiked beverages and suicidal attempts) leads to loss of consciousness and even death. In this work, a probe for the fast, visual detection of xylazine in alcoholic beverages is proposed. The technology is based on xylazine-specific molecularly imprinted polymers that were loaded with methylene blue to generate a dye-displacement assay. The assay displayed high selectivity when evaluated against common compounds present in beverages. Optimal assay conditions were found at pH ≥ 7 and alcohol contents <15 v/v%. Furthermore, the assay was evaluated in a real gin and tonic sample and displayed a linear regime of 1.5–4 mM and a LOD of 1.36 mM. Implementation of the assay in a portable device resulted in a much faster xylazine detection (under 30 s) in a spiked gin & tonic sample.