World's first paper-based drug test developed

Finnish researchers have developed the world's first paper-based drug test that enables a rapid analysis of whether a compound, such as morphine, is present in a given sample.
Researchers from VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland used antibodies - produced by methods of molecular biology - as morphine sensing molecules to create the drug test printed on paper.
Future applications of the developed test could include drug testing at workplaces and in connection with traffic control, researchers said.
The test provides several advantages, such as high production volumes, low material costs and disposability as well as design freedom based on bendability and foldability of paper.

"In 2010, we proved that the VTT method works in a hemoglobin assay. Through our continued development efforts, we wanted to confirm that the method also works in mass-production of more demanding tests," said Tomi Erho, Principal Scientist at VTT.
"Morphine as a small-sized molecule places major requirements on the analytical performance of the test. In the future, the new method will also present an opportunity to simultaneously analyse other drugs of abuse and residues of pharmaceuticals and their metabolites from one and the same sample," Erho said.
The research was published in the Analytical & Bioanalytical Chemistry journal.