Biosensor for Detection of Synthetic Cannabinoids

Recreational drug use by military personnel can impact soldier preparedness and performance especially in difficult and demanding environments. One challenge for monitoring illicit drug use is that current tests rely on the identification of specific chemical structures. Small variants in the chemistry of a drug can evade detection. In this Phase I SBIR, we will develop a lateral flow test that utilizes cannabinoid receptors to detect any chemical substances that bind to the receptors. The assay will utilize novel plasmonic particles with ultrahigh optical density as the generator of the visible signal to increase both the sensitivity and the dynamic range of the test. It will not be necessary to know the chemical identity of the compound as the binding of the compound to the receptor will be evidence of the pharmacological behavior of the unknown sample.