Catechol-Attached Polypeptide with Functional Groups as Electrochemical Sensing Platform for Synthetic Cannabinoids

Herein, we first constructed a functional surface using a catechol-attached polypeptide (CtP) for the detection of JWH-018 (N-4-hydroxypentyl metabolite). K2 antibody was then incorporated to the polymer via covalent cross-linker. Step-by-step modifications on the glassy carbon electrode surface were characterized by electrochemical measurements such as differential pulse voltammetry, cyclic voltammetry, impedance spectroscopy, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Linearity and the limit of detection for JWH-018 (N-4-hydroxypentyl metabolite) were determined as 10–500 ng/mL with an equation of y = 0.0018x + 0.136 (R2 = 0.993) and 5.892 ng/mL, respectively. The selectivity of the biosensor was evaluated with different interfering molecules (methamphetamine, codeine, and cocaine). Finally, the biosensor was successfully used in the determination of JWH-018 (N-4-hydroxypentyl metabolite) in spiked synthetic urine samples, and a high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) system was used as a reference method to confirm the sample application. The results show that this biosensor platform can be applied to detect other JWH series of synthetic cannabinoids with high sensitivity and accuracy.