Fabrication of a Tailored “Plug and Play” 3D Printed MIP-Based Straw for Scopolamine Removal in Alcoholic Beverages

Abstract

Drug-facilitated crimes (DFCs) have become a global issue, primarily affecting women. Among chemical substances used in these crimes, scopolamine (SCP) - a tropane alkaloid - has gained relevance due to its ability to suppress the central nervous system, leading to dizziness and amnesia. Despite various methods dedicated to drug detection, no portable devices have been reported for the in situ extraction of SCP from contaminated samples to prevent its consumption. Molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) effectively enhance extraction selectivity due to their inherent functionalized cavities with high rebinding capacity. This study proposes the fabrication of a 3D-printed device in the form of a straw filled with MIP for extracting SCP from contaminated beverages before unintentional ingestion. Acrylamide (ACR), ethylene glycol dimethacrylate (EGDMA) and methanol were used as the functional monomer, crosslinker and porogenic solvent, respectively. The 3D printed device was optimized using aqueous solutions and alcoholic drinks spiked with SCP. Extraction values ranged from 38 to 48% of SCP were obtained using a 3D printed device filled with 20 mg of the MIP at a sample flow of 1.5 mL min^-1. This study represents a viable strategy to prevent unintentional ingestion of drugged beverages, mitigating the risk of these crimes.

Keywords:
scopolamine; MIP; drug facilitated crimes; 3D printed device; extraction