Rapid and reliable HP-TLC detection of opium and opium alkaloids; fluorescence densitometric assessment of morphine in serum

ABSTRACT

To propose a rapid reliable Thin Layer Chromatography [TLC] detection of opium and opium alkaloids in seizures and to develop a micro High Performance Thin Layer Chromatography [HP-TLC] method of assessment of morphine in serum using CAMAG-TLC scanner. 3 Opium samples were provided from the central Medico-Legal Laboratory, Ministry of Justice, Cairo, Egypt. They were subjected to TLC using the standard conditions. The blood samples were admitted to the Department of Narcotics and Poisons, National Research Center. The serum samples were hydrolyzed, extracted and dansylated. The dansyl derivatives were submitted to HP-TLC and measured by fluorescence densitometry using CAMAG-TLC scanner. TLC showed the major and minor opium alkaloids. The densitomatric fluorescence of morphine in serum revealed that the concentrations of morphine in 3 samples were 40, 50 of 66 ng/ml. Being sensitive and reliable the proposed method proved its applicability where possession or ingestion of opium is to be assessed