Electrochemical Sensing Using Electrodes Modified with Anion Exchange Polymers: Towards Portable Testing

The rapidly increasing global use of cannabis and the increasing potency of ?9-tetrahydrocannabinol (?9-THC), the primary psychoactive component, necessitate rapid, sensitive, and portable detection methods for drug screening. Traditional chromatographic and spectroscopic techniques, while accurate, have limitations that hinder their use in point-of-care (POC) and real-life scenarios. Electrochemical sensors offer a promising alternative due to their simplicity, speed, simple sample pre-treatment, and potential for quantification. This Mitacs Globalink research project aims to develop and optimize an electrochemical sensor for ?9-THC detection using screen-printed electrodes modified with a thin film of novel anion exchange polymers synthesized at Simon Fraser University. The positively charged polymer film is hypothesized to enhance sensitivity and selectivity by pre-concentrating and stabilizing the electroactive ?9-THC phenoxide while repelling cationic interferences. The project will be conducted at the University of Huddersfield, focusing on electrode optimization in aqueous media, performance evaluation in artificial saliva, and assessment of interference effects from common substances. The anticipated outcome is a cost-effective, stable, rapid, and user-friendly electrochemical sensor for ?9-THC, compatible with smartphone-based POC analysis, offering a significant advantage over existing qualitative methods and addressing critical needs in roadside testing, workplace screening, and cannabis market monitoring.

Faculty Supervisor:

Steven Holdcroft

Student:

Partner:

University of Huddersfield

Discipline:

Physics

Sector:

Education

University:

Simon Fraser University

Program: