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Low-Cost, User-Friendly SERS Technology for Rapid Detection of Emerging Drug Threats

Award Number: R43DA064718
ORGANIZATION: NATIONAL INSTITUTE ON DRUG ABUSE
OPDIV: NIH
AWARD CLASS: DISCRETIONARY
AWARD ACTIVITY TYPE: SCIENTIFIC/HEALTH RESEARCH (INCLUDES SURVEYS)
PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE START DATE: 07/01/2026
PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE END DATE: 01/31/2027

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Low-Cost, User-Friendly SERS Technology for Rapid Detection of Emerging Drug Threats - Project Summary: The rising incidences of synthetic opioids misuse and emerging psychoactive substances pose significant challenges for public health and forensic toxicology. Conventional detection methods such as liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) offer high sensitivity and specificity but are costly, require skilled operators, and are not feasible for rapid, point-of-care applications. To address these limitations, this project aims to develop a Surface-Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy (SERS)-based lateral flow assay for the rapid detection and quantification of existing and emerging illicit drugs in urine samples. This platform is designed to provide comparable analytical performance of LC-MS while reducing costs, increasing portability, and enabling drug testing in resource-limited settings such as rural health clinics, emergency departments and harm reduction centers. The proposed approach integrates three key innovations: (1) a SERS-active lateral flow cartridge that processes the urine sample – removing potential interferents while simultaneously separating drug mixtures and metabolites by Thin Layer Chromatography (TLC). Raman signals are enhanced via embedded nanoparticles in the TLC material for high-sensitivity detection. The SERS approach is a label-free technique that directly measures the unique vibrational modes of drug molecules, eliminating the need for biological elements like antibodies or aptamers. Unlike labeled methods, it has no strict shelf-life or storage requirements and can rapidly adapt to emerging drugs, for which specific biological recognition elements are unavailable; (2) a low-cost, Fourier Transform Raman (FT-Raman) instrument engineered for portability. The FT-Raman system offers several advantages over typical dispersive Raman systems: It provides higher spectral accuracy through interferometer-based calibration. Additionally, FT-Raman system uses a NIR excitation source to reduce fluorescence from biological samples. With fewer moving parts, the FT-Raman system offers more stability and requires less maintenance; (3) advanced chemometrics / machine learning algorithms for spectral analysis, enabling precise identification and quantification of drug compounds and their metabolites. Future phases will focus on prototype refinement and commercialization, targeting a per-test cost below $10 to enhance accessibility. Successful development of this technology has the potential to transform drug testing by enabling real-time, reliable, highly sensitive detection in decentralized settings, improving clinical decision- making and public health interventions.


Issue Date FY	Funding FY	Legal Entity Name	Legal Entity Address	Legal Entity City	Legal Entity State	Legal Entity Zip Code	Legal Entity COUNTY	Legal Entity COUNTRY	Assistance Listing	Award Code	Budget Year	Action Date	Action Type	Action Amount

Issue Date FY: 2026 ( Subtotal = $314,317 )
2026	2026	SKM INSTRUMENTS, INC.	42 EAST N FORK RD	CENTENNIAL	WY	82055	ALBANY	USA	Drug Use and Addiction Research Programs	000	1	6/19/2026	NEW	$314,317
														Subtotal = $314,317

Grand Total All Awards = $314,317

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Low-Cost, User-Friendly SERS Technology for Rapid Detection of Emerging Drug Threats

Award Number: R43DA064718

ORGANIZATION: NATIONAL INSTITUTE ON DRUG ABUSE

OPDIV: NIH

AWARD CLASS: DISCRETIONARY

AWARD ACTIVITY TYPE: SCIENTIFIC/HEALTH RESEARCH (INCLUDES SURVEYS)

PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE START DATE: 07/01/2026

PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE END DATE: 01/31/2027

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