Zeitschrift für forensische Forschung

DETECHIP®: An Improved Molecular Sensing Array

Abstract

Marcus Lyon, Jordan Groathouse, Jordan Beaber, Laura M. Turner, Kerry A. Rouhier, Mark V. Wilson, David J. Symonsbergen, Sharmin M. Sikich and Andrea E. Holmes

DETECHIP ® is a novel, highly selective and sensitive molecular sensor array producing color and fluorescence changes in the presence of many small molecules or analytes. This technology utilizes an array of eight sensors in two types of buffers that are dispensed in a 96-well plate. Color and fluorescent changes in the presence of analytes are recorded as a 32 digit binary code that is able to discriminate many substances. The current application is dedicated to testing narcotics such as cocaine, tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) from marijuana, as well as date- rape and club drugs such as flunitrazepam, gamma-hydroxybutyric acid (GHB), and methamphetamine, to name a few. Shown to be a contactless, portable, and inexpensive optical detection system, DETECHIP ® can detect many substances and therefore can be used where a high degree of preliminary diagnostics is needed.Besides narcotics, DETECHIP ® is able to detect and discriminate over-the-counter medications, trinitrotoluene (TNT), pesticides, food spoilage metabolites, and narcotics laced with cutting agents. DETECHIP ® offers possibilities for a simple, sensitive, selective, and affordable alternative to costly immunoassays.