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Unveiling molecular secrets: Raman spectroscopy as a versatile tool for advanced analysis and investigation in forensic science and pharmaceuticals

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Acyclovir and Ciprofloxacin determination
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Submitted   Sep 17, 2023
Published   Dec 5, 2023
Issue    Vol 5 No 1 (2023)
DOI   10.25082/MER.2023.01.005

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Md. Dipu Ahmed corresponding author
1. Department of Chemistry, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN 37996, USA; 2. Applied Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, University of Dhaka, Bangladesh
Kazi Madina Maraz
Institute of Radiation and Polymer Technology, Bangladesh Atomic Energy Commission, Dhaka 1000, Bangladesh
Saikot Mazumder
Department of Chemistry, University of South Dakota, Vermillion, SD-57069, USA

Abstract

The conventional technologies used for identifying, investigating, and analyzing illegal drugs, explosives, and fibers in forensic science often involve destructive methods, preventing re-analysis of evidence. Conversely, a non-destructive approach is crucial for drug characterization, synthesis route development, and identification of counterfeit and adulterated pharmaceuticals. Raman spectroscopy, renowned for its rapid, non-destructive, and cost-effective nature, has emerged as the predominant technique in forensic and pharmaceutical applications. Its inelastic light scattering properties enable drug identification, minimize forensic toxicology and criminalistics, and ensure pharmaceutical product quality. This review explores the analysis of cocaine, RDX, HMX, PETN and TNT in forensic science, where Raman spectroscopy proves invaluable in detecting and quantifying drugs and explosives, deciphering synthesis routes, identifying manufacturing labs, and unveiling trafficking patterns and distribution networks. Additionally, it examines the analysis of acyclovir, ciprofloxacin, and active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) in the pharmaceutical industry, offering insights for quality control, combating counterfeit and adulterated products, and facilitating real-time process monitoring. Despite limitations, recent advances in data analysis techniques position Raman spectroscopy as a versatile and promising tool for sample analysis, investigation, and determination in both forensic science and pharmaceuticals, illuminating the path towards enhanced analytical capabilities in these fields.

Keywords
Raman spectroscopy, Forensic analysis, drug and explosive identification, pharmaceutical analysis, drug development, Counterfeit and Adulterated pharmaceuticals

Article Details

How to Cite
Ahmed, M. D., Maraz, K. M., & Mazumder, S. (2023). Unveiling molecular secrets: Raman spectroscopy as a versatile tool for advanced analysis and investigation in forensic science and pharmaceuticals. Materials Engineering Research, 5(1), 291-305. https://doi.org/10.25082/MER.2023.01.005
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This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License.

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