Disposable screen printed sensor for the electrochemical detection of methamphetamine in undiluted saliva

BACKGROUND: Methamphetamine has an adverse effect on the ability to drive safely. Police need to quickly screen potentially impaired drivers therefore a rapid disposable test for methamphetamine is highly desirable. This is the first proof-of-concept report of a disposable electrochemical test for methamphetamine in undiluted saliva. RESULTS: A screen printed carbon electrode is used for the N,N′-(1,4-phenylene)-dibenzenesulfonamide mediated detection of methamphetamine in saliva buffer and saliva. The oxidized mediator reacts with methamphetamine to give an electrochemically active adduct which can undergo electrochemical reduction. Galvanostatic oxidation in combination with a double square wave reduction technique resulted in detection of methamphetamine in undiluted saliva with a response time of 55 s and lower detection limit of 400 ng/mL. CONCLUSIONS: Using a double square wave voltammetry technique, rapid detection of methamphetamine in undiluted saliva can be achieved, however there is significant donor variation in response and the detection limit is significantly higher than desired. Further optimization of the assay and sensor format is required to improve the detection limit and reduce donor effects. ELECTRONIC SUPPLEMENTARY MATERIAL: The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s13065-016-0147-2) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.